S  E  O  L  A, 


BOSTON: 
LEE    AND    SHEPARD,   PUBLISHERS. 

NEW    YORK: 

CHARLES   T.   DILLINGHAM. 

1878. 


COPYRIGHT. 

1878. 
BY   LEE   AND    SHEPARD. 


UNIVERSITY  PRESS  :  WELCH,  BIGELOW,  &  Co., 
CAMBRIDGE. 


SEOLA'S  JOURNAL. 

FINDING  THE  MANUSCRIPT. 
Extract  from  the  Author's  Note-Book  of  Travel. 

NORTH  SYRIAN  Mrs.,  May  23,  18 — . 

THIS  month  must  be  marked  in  white ;  it  is  the 
date  of  a  wonderful  discovery. 

Toiling  along  the  steeps  of  the  Anti-Libanus, 
on  our  way  to  Jabrada,  we  halted  for  the  midday 
repast,  and,  while  the  guides  were  preparing  it, 
reclined  in  the  shade  of  the  scanty  foliage.  As 
we  leisurely  surveyed  the  sterile  landscape,  our 
attention  was  attracted  to  an  object  quite  unex 
pected  in  this  desert  place,  a  flower  of  surprising 
beauty,  which  hung  from  a  broad  shelf  of  rock 
opposite.  Edmund  sprang  forward  to  gather  the 
wonderful  blossom,  and,  upon  reaching  the  perilous 
steep,  to  sustain  himself  laid  hold  of  the  root  of  a 
decayed  tree  which  had  once  grown  there.  His 
weight  had  scarce  been  thus  suspended,  when  the 
stump  gave  way  and  slid  down,  carrying  with  it 


I 


2  THE    ANCIENT    CAVERN. 

the  earth  in  which  it  had  been  embedded,  a  por 
tion  of  the  rock,  and  the  rash  intruder  who  had 
dared  disturb  its  venerable  repose. 

When  it  appeared  that  no  injury  was  sustained, 
we  turned  to  examine  the  spot  from  whence  the 
avalanche  descended.  Upon  the  perpendicular  face 
of  the  rock,  now  fully  exposed,  was  a  clearly  defined 
triangle  about  eight  feet  in  altitude.  A  compli 
cated  figure  sculptured  in  the  centre  marked  it 
the  work  of  man.  Speculation  as  to  its  character 

was  cut  short  by  Monsieur  S ,  who  exclaimed : 

"  That  figure  is  the  Phoenician  Daleth  !  Plainly  as 
our  own  language  it  says :  '  This  is  a  door.'  Ah, 
what  lies  behind?" 

In  great  excitement  we  sent  to  the  valley  for 
aid  ;  the  triangular  rock  was  removed,  and  proved 
to  be  the  door  of  an  artificial  cave,  about  twelve 
feet  square,  cut  into  the  mountain.  The  sides  of 
this  cavern  were  smooth,  the  ceiling  was  arched, 
and  in  the  centre  of  the  dome,  among  unknown 
sculptured  characters,  we  perceived  a  cross  of  pe 
culiar  design. 

Upon  a  marble  slab,  slightly  raised  from  the 
floor,  a  heap  of  dust,  tattered  fibre,  and  shreds  of 
gold  outlined  two  human  figures  lying  in  the  set 


FINDING    THE    MANUSCRIPT.  3 

repose  of  the  dead.  Diadems  that  once  crowned 
the  heads  of  the  sleepers  had  fallen  to  the  floor, 
and  by  the  side  of  one  of  the  shapes,  where  the 
hand  had  been,  was  a  cylindrical  object  which  we 
immediately  secured. 

Then  spoke  the  leader  of  our  party :  — 

"No  doubt  this  is  the  oldest  tomb  in  the  world. 
The  inscriptions  must  antedate  even  those  of  the 
subterranean  temples  of  Ellora  and  Elephanta. 
But  why  should  we,  with  sacrilegious  hand,  dis 
turb  these  sacred  ashes  ?  Let  them  repose  through 
the  rolling  ages,  as  we  ourselves  hope  to  rest,  till 
the  great  day  of  transformation." 

Without  further  words  he  ordered  the  door  to  be 
carefully  replaced,  and  we  left  the  shelving  rock, 
where  again  the  dust  of  ages  will  gather,  other 
seeds  germinate  and  shoot  upwards,  and  again  a 
leafy  veil  shimmering  in  the  wind  will  shut  out  from 
human  eyes  the  mysterious  Daleth  of  Old  Syria. 

The  relic  thus  obtained  (doubly  precious  now 
that  further  spoliation  was  forbidden)  proved  to 
be  a  cylinder  of  purple  amethyst  about  a  foot  in 
length  and  three  inches  in  diameter.  Upon  o'ne 
side,  engraved  with  extraordinary  delicacy,  was  the 
representation  of  a  terrible  flood,  and  upon  the 


4  BEFORE    THE    FLOOD. 

other  a  tree,  under  whose  wide-spread  branches 
were  sitting  a  noble-looking  man  and  woman  with 
young  persons  grouped  around  them.  Beneath 
each  figure  were  detached  inscriptions. 

In  removing  the  dust  from  the  crystal  a  spring 
was  touched,  and  the  cylinder  opened,  disclosing  a 
linen  roll,  like  those  of  Egypt  (though  incompar 
ably  finer),  covered  with  minute  characters,  which, 
under  the  rays  of  the  sun,  became  intensely  blue. 

It  occurred  to  one  of  our  number,  an  enthusi 
astic  archaeologist,  that  this  was  a  memorial  of  the 
Great  Deluge  ;  the  man  might  represent  Japhet, 
the  son  of  Noah,  who,  according  to  the  Hebrew 
scriptures,  was  the  father  of  seven  sons ;  the  wo 
man  was  his  wife,  and  the  other  female  figures  his 
daughters. 

Upon  this  supposition  we  applied  ourselves  as 
siduously,  and,  after  the  most  exhaustive  comparison 
and  combination,  found  that  the  names  of  the  men 
corresponded  with  those  given  in  the  tenth  chapter 
of  Genesis  ;  the  mother's  name  proved  to  be  Seola, 
those  of  the  daughters  Lebuda,  Astlik,  Simourga, 
Elbeth,  and  Jael. 

The  mystery  was  unravelled,  and  we  found  our 
selves  in  possession  of  the  greatest  archaeological 


FINDING    THE     MANUSCRIPT.  5 

discovery  of  the  nineteenth  century,  —  an  antedi 
luvian  memoir,  The  Journal  of  Seola,  wife  of  the 
patriarch  Japhet ! 

Foreseeing  the  perishable  nature  of  the  precious 
document,  travel  was  suspended,  and  the  energies 
of  the  entire  party  were  devoted  to  the  work  of 
deciphering.  Under  the  supervision  of  our  learned 
archaeologist  good  progress  was  made,  though,  in 
our  haste  and  ignorance,  great  freedom  of  transla 
tion  was  unavoidable,  and  frequently  our  insight 
into  obscure  passages  was  scarcely  more  than  con 
jecture. 

It  was  fortunate  that  no  delay  was  suffered  ;  the 
delicate  characters  rapidly  faded  in  the  light ;  the 
tissue,  hermetically  sealed  for  so  many  ages,  had 
lost  its  tenacity ;  day  by  day  it  became  disinte 
grated  in  the  unaccustomed  atmosphere,  and  almost 
before  the  last  pages  were  finished,  it  crumbled  to 
powder. 

The  beautiful  but  frail  casket  in  which  it  had 
been  preserved  was  accidentally  shivered,  and,  but 
for  the  story  which  had  so  marvellously  come  into 
our  possession,  the  adventure  in  the  Syrian  moun 
tains  might  have  vanished  from  memory  like  a 
dream  of  the  morning. 


SEOLA, 


CHILD    OF    THE    HERMITAGE. 

West  Bank  of  the  Euphrates.  After  Adam. 

First  Moon.    Evening.  Four  Cycles. 

THIS  day  completes  another  year  of  my  life  ; 
its  events  have  made  me  unusually  thoughtful. 

Immediately  after  the  morning  sacrifice  Alee- 
mon  called  me  to  the  garden.  His  countenance, 
always  serious,  was  even  sad  as  we  sat  down 
under  our  favorite  cypress-tree. 

"  Seola,  my  daughter,"  he  said,  "  you  are  no 
longer  a  child ;  maturing  years  and  experience 
will  bring  to  you,  as  to  every  human  being,  care, 
perplexity,  and  sorrow.  Your  brother,  who  would 
have  been  a  companion  and  protector,  is  dead ;  I 
buried  him  at  Sippara.  You  are  alone. 

"  Shut  out  from  the  world  in  this  impenetrable 
forest,  your  life  will  be  eventless,  occupied  by  the 
routine  of  domestic  labor  and  religious  duty  ;  God 


8  SEOLA. 

grant  you  a  tranquil  mind.  Fortunately  you  inherit 
my  fondness  for  study.  Having  been  carefully  in 
structed  in  the  wisdom  of  the  sages,  you  will  find 
comfort,  when  your  household  duties  are  over,  among 
the  manuscripts  of  ancient  lore  and  relics  of  other 
days  which  I  have  preserved  for  this  purpose ;  but 
lest  you  should  have  many  restless  hours,  and  sigh 
for  that  companionship  which  you  will  never  find,  I 
earnestly  advise  you  to  commence  a  journal  of  your 
life,  a  record  of  the  circumstances  of  each  day  and 
of  your  mental  experience.  This  will  be  a  diversion, 
and  vary  the  monotony  of  a  sequestered  life.  I  have 
many  things  to  communicate,  but  not  upon  this  day, 
the  anniversary  of  my  marriage  and  of  our  departure 
from  Sippara,  as  also  of  your  birth." 

With  this  he  rose  and  retired  into  the  shadows 
of  the  grove.  His  lightest  wish  is  law  with  me,— 
my  wise  and  pious  father,  —  so  this  evening  I  took 
from  the  library  a  reed,  linen  roll,  and  amethyst 
cylinder,  his  birthday  gifts,  and  have  come  to  my 
arbor  study,  to  begin  the  journal.  Without  doubt 
it  will  be  a  dull  affair ;  fortunately  no  stranger  eye 
will  ever  rest  upon  it. 

What  have  I  to  record  ?  The  storms  or  fair 
weather,  the  quality  of  the  harvest,  our  success  or 


CHILD    OF    THE    HERMITAGE.  9 

failure  in  dyeing  and  weaving,  the  increase  of  the 
flocks,  an  occasional  alarm  from  wild  beasts.  Yet 
I  am  always  happy ;  the  garden  abounds  in 

fruit  and  flowers ;  we  have  many  cattle  ;  we  ride, 

» 

cool  evenings,  in  a  boat  upon  the  river,  and  when 
the  great  rains  come  on,  we  listen  to  stories 
from  father,  or  to  mother's  songs.  'We'  means, 
beside  myself,  Charmos  and  Elbeth,  our  servants. 
They  came  to  this  place  with  my  parents  before 
I  was  born,  and  are  now  getting  aged.  Charmos 
must  soon  depart.  Elbeth  is  not  so  old  as  her 
husband,  and  will  live,  I  trust,  a  long  time. 

There  is  but  one  thing  to  trouble  me:  mother 
is  often  unhappy  and  weeps.  At  such  times  father 
is  stern  and  sad,  Elbeth  sighs,  they  chide  my  youth 
ful  gayety,  and  I  am  oppressed  with  gloom. 

These  moods  of  my  parents  are  mysterious,  con 
nected,  I  imagine,  with  the  remembrance  of  their 
former  life,  but  I  have  never  presumed  to  question 
them.  To-day  I  accidentally  received  an  intima 
tion  confirming  this  supposition,  but  still  I  am  per 
plexed.  While  tying  the  vines  beneath  my  moth 
er's  window,  I  heard  her  say  (forgetting  perhaps 
that  I  was  near),  — 

"  This  is  Seola's  birthday ;  how  beautiful  she  is 
growing ! " 


IO  SEOLA. 

I  was  greatly  surprised,  but  still  more  so  when 
my  father  groaned  and  answered,  — 

"  Would  to  God  she  was  deformed,  or  dark  as 
the  daughters  of  Cain !  Woman,  why  wert  thou 
made  so  fair  ?  O  fatal,  fatal  gift  of  beauty  !  but  for 
it,  how  lovely  and  pure  thy  soul !  The  earth  would 
not  now  be  the  theatre  of  unimaginable  sin,  nor 
would  Lucifer  and  his  wicked  peers  control  the 
affairs  of  men  ;  the  dreadful  demigods  would  not 
crush  under  their  feet  the  hearts  and  hopes  of 
mankind,  nor  you,  my  wife,  and  I,  your  most  un 
happy  husband,  be  exiled  to  this  lonely  hermitage. 
And  another  grief  is  added  to  our  overburdened 
hearts:  our  child,  now  attaining  womanhood,  pos 
sesses  the  fatal  heritage !  Would  to  God  she  had 
died  in  your  arms,  as  did  her  young  brother." 

By  this  time  my  mother  was  sobbing,  and,  fright 
ened  by  the  violence  of  her  grief,  I  silently  with 
drew,  much  agitated. 

What  can  it  mean  ?  Why  should  not  men  and 
women  be  beautiful  as  the  birds  and  flowers  ?  Are 
they  not  all  so  ?  Alas !  I  have  seen  none  but 
those  of  my  own  family. 

I  once  read  in  an  old  manuscript  of  festivals, 
wars,  travels,  and  marriages ;  perhaps  these  are 


CHILD    OF    THE    HERMITAGE.  II 

connected  with  the  misery  of  which  my  father 
spoke.  I  will  ask  him  some  day  when  he  is  in 
structing  me. 

Ha !  —  a  serpent  glanced  across  my  feet  so 
quickly  I  scarce  saw  him.  He  too  was  beautiful, 
but  filled  me  with  terror.  Will  he  seek  the  dove's 
nest  ?  I  must  follow  —  ***** 

O,  my  dear  birds  !  The  father  and  mother  are 
gone ;  one  little  white  trembler  remains  alone. 
But  I  have  taken  thee  as  my  special  care,  pretty 
dove ;  the  serpent  shall  do  thee  no  harm.  These 
venomous  beasts  always  come  forth  in  the  night ; 
we  must  leave  this  place  and  retire  to  my  chamber, 
where,  beneath  the  inscribed  talisman,  we  shall  be 
safe  — 

No  —  I  will  stay  and  repeat  it  solemnly,  "  God 
alone  is  mighty.  Depart,  Evil  One!" 

That  will  be  a  protection. 

How  lovely  is  the  grove  in  the  twilight !  The 
palms  wave  in  the  soft  wind  ;  the  flowers  exhale 
their  odors ;  the  insects  chirp  lazily  ;  the  birds  are 
silent ;  the  Euphrates  sparkles  in  the  fading  light. 

The  river  (now  that  I  think  of  it)  appears  un 
real  to-night,  not  placid  and  calm,  but  agitated, 
and  swelling  upward  ;  like  a  voice,  it  seems  to  say, 
"  Coming,  coming." 


12  SEOLA. 

What  is  coming,  old  river  ?  Nothing,  I  suppose, 
to  Seola,  who  will,  perchance,  tread  these  lonely 
banks  for  many  hundred  monotonous  years. 

The  charm  hath  wrought ;  the  serpent  cometh 
not ;  but  it  is  growing  dark;  now  must  we  go  within. 
O  glorious  golden  hours  !  O  smiling  yellow  moon  ! 

0  bower  and  grove  and  river,  dear  silent  friends, 
do  you  not  give  me  joy  of  another  birthday  ?     True, 

1  am  no  longer  a  child,  yet  I  love  you  none  the 
less ;  with  you  I  am  always  happy.     Good-night. 


ALEEMON  S    STORY. 


ALEEMON'S  STORY. 

Second  Moon.    First  Day. 

A  MONTH  has  passed  since  I  began  my  journal ; 
nothing  has  happened  worth  recording  until  to 
day,  when  I  found  an  opportunity  to  question  my 
father.  Mother  went  early  with  Elbeth  to  gather 
grapes  for  drying,  and  I  had  my  tasks  as  usual 
in  the  cypress  grove.  When  they  were  finished, 
knowing  that  candor  would  be  most  acceptable, 
I  said,  — 

"  O  my  father,  on  my  birthday,  by  chance,  I 
heard  a  conversation  between  yourself  and  mother, 
in  which  you  spoke  of  beauty  as  a  dangerous  gift ; 
as  being  the  cause  of  a  dreadful  condition  of  the 
world,  and  of  your  own  unhappiness.  Would  you 
kindly  tell  me  the  meaning  of  your  words  ? " 

An  expression  of  deep  pain  crossed  his  features, 
as  he  replied,  — 

"  Perhaps  the  time  has  now  come,  my  daughter, 
when  it  is  proper  to  tell  you  what  must  sooner  or 
later  certainly  be  brought  to  your  knowledge.  It 
is  a  strange  and  mournful  story,  in  which  there 


14  SEOLA. 

is  but  one  light  to  relieve  the  deep  shadows  of  sin 
and  sorrow. 

"  Know  then,  Seola,  that  after  our  first  parents 
admitted  the  Deceiver  to  their  counsels,  and  had 
been  driven  from  their  happy  home,  sin  and  death 
became  the  unavoidable  and  dread  attendants  of 
every  human  life.  But  more  fatal  than  all  other 
miseries  of  the  fall  was  the  power  of  interference 
in  human  affairs  which  the  Tempter  had  acquired. 
He  constantly  used,  and  from  his  evil  nature  abused, 
this  power,  slowly  gaining  possession  of  the  hearts 
of  men,  till,  grown  bold  by  success,  he  enticed  other 
Star-Spirits  from  their  allegiance  to  the  Almighty, 
promising  to  establish  them  as  great  princes  in  the 
world  which  he  had  conquered.  They  came  and 
took  possession  of  Mount  Hermon  in  the  sides  of 
the  North.  By  some  subtle  process,  of  which  our 
most  learned  sages  are  ignorant,  the  seraphim 
changed  themselves  from  the  winged  serpent-form 
into  the  likeness  of  men,  grand,  strong,  and  beau 
tiful.  These  majestic  beings  became  enamored 
with  the  beauty  of  women,  and  took  to  themselves 
many  wives.  A  race  of  magnificent  but  frightfully 
depraved  creatures,  giants  in  intellect  and  stature, 
were  the  products  of  these  unnatural  marriages,  and 


ALEEMON  S    STORY.  15 

they,  with  despotic  cruelty,  aided  their  sires  in  the 
subversion  of  the  world.  The  story  of  the  crimes 
and  abominations  which  prevailed  would  be  too 
shocking  for  your  ears.  The  worshippers  of  God 
struggled  in  vain  to  stem  the  tide  of  diabolical  in 
iquity  ;  those  who  resisted  the  imperious  will  of 
the  Devas,  or  the  Darvands  their  children,  were 
disabled  or  put  to  death. 

"  Lucifer,  the  most  powerful  of  the  incarnate  an 
gels,  established  his  court  at  Sippara,  City  of  the 
Sun,  where  the  learning  and  wealth  of  the  whole 
world  were  concentrated.  Upon  this  city  he  lav 
ished  his  immense  resource.  Its  glory  was  past 
description  ;  its  towers,  palaces,  and  battlements 
glittered  with  gold  and  gems :  its  pomp  and  pag 
eantry  excelled  everything  previously  known.  But 
while  feasting  and  seraphic  music  filled  the  royal 
saloons,  deeds  of  awful  violence  made  the  subter 
ranean  vaults  to  shudder.  But  glory  be  to  the  Ail- 
Powerful,  for  the  fulfilment  of  the  decrees  Lamech 
and  Achima,  my  parents,  were  preserved,  and  near 
this  city  of  supreme  glory  and  guilt  I  was  reared  in 
the  ways  of  righteousness.  Being  devoted  to  the 
acquisition  of  learning,  I  was  spoken  of  as  '  Alee- 
mon  the  sage  of  Sippara.'  I  had  one  brother; 


l6  SEOLA. 

his  name  was  Noah :  I  know  not  if  he  still  lives. 
He  was  upright  and  courageous,  and  being  gifted 
with  extraordinary  powers  of  oratory,  he  fearlessly 
denounced  the  foul  living  of  the  Evil  Ones,  and 
called  upon  God  for  deliverance.  How  often  have 
I  listened  with  awe,  when  like  a  torrent  his  sub 
lime  words  were  poured  out  in  warning,  and  have 
trembled  with  fear  of  the  Devas'  vengeance  !  But 
he  seemed  to  bear  a  charmed  life  ;  his  hearers  were 
spellbound  while  he  was  addressing  them,  and  all 
plots  for  his  assassination  failed.  I  know  now  that 
God  had  set  an  hedge  about  him. 

"  Our  parents  died  early,  and  we,  with  our  few 
servants,  were  left  in  the  world  sole  worshippers 
of  the  true  God.  To  dispel  his  grief,  my  brother 
journeyed  to  a  distant  country  in  the  North,  and 
there,  high  among  the  dark  stony  mountains,  where 
bleak  winds  destroy  all  but  a  scanty  vegetation,  he 
found  a  noble  family  who  had  retreated  thither  to 
escape  the  wickedness  of  the  world.  After  many 
months'  sojourn,  the  eldest  daughter  was  given  him 
in  marriage,  and  he  returned  to  Sippara  bringing 
with  his  wife  a  young  girl  whose  parents  had  died 
in  that  distant  land.  She  was  a  lovely  child,  and 
with  advancing  years  grew  into  the  perfection  of 
womanhood.  Her  name  was  Lebuda. 


ALEEMON  S    STORY.  I/ 

"Noah's  heart  was  comforted,  and  I  still  found 
consolation  in  studying  the  works  of  a  purer  age. 

"  Soon  after  this  change  in  our  family  a  shocking 
event  occurred  in  the  city,  which  drew  from  my 
impetuous  brother  a  violent  expression  of  indig 
nation.  Fearing  that  he  might  fall  a  victim  to  his 
rashness,  notwithstanding  his  former  deliverance,  I 
expostulated  with  him,  but  he  gave  no  heed  to  my 
caution. 

"  One  evening,  after  he  had  with  unusual  elo 
quence  addressed  a  great  assemblage,  I  remained 
upon  the  mountain  and  conversed  with  him  till 
the  stars  came  out  clear  and  glittering  above  the 
marble  city.  I  spoke  of  the  desperate  condition  of 
the  world,  its  entire  subversion  by  the  Evil  Ones. 
For  myself  I  feared  nothing,  my  unobtrusive  life 
exempted  me  from  suspicion  or  attack ;  but  I  por 
trayed  his  danger,  and  besought  him  by  the  love 
he  bore  his  young  bride  and  me,  his  only  brother,  to 
be  more  moderate  in  his  attempts  at  reformation. 
I  took  his  hand,  and  well  I  remember  my  closing 
words :  — 

"  '  O  my  brother,  I  believe  as  firmly  as  yourself 
that  God  is  more  powerful  than  Lucifer ;  but  what 
ages  have  rolled  away  since  the  giant  offspring  of 


18  SEOLA. 

these  execrable  marriages  have  defiled  the  earth 
with  unnatural  crime !  We  are  powerless,  dear 
brother ;  God  has  forgotten  the  world.' 

"  He  was  so  long  silent  that  I  looked  up  in  alarm, 
for  the  hand  which  I  held  in  mine  had  grown 
stony  cold.  In  the  gathering  gloom  I  saw  his  face 
beam  with  unearthly  radiance.  His  eyes,  dilated 
by  strange  emotion,  were  fixed  upon  the  northern 
sky  ;  his  hands  were  raised,  the  whole  attitude  that 
of  rigid  attention,  as  if  he  were  trying  to  catch  some 
distant  sound.  He  was  evidently  unconscious  of 
my  presence,  and,  though  much  alarmed,  I  dared 
not  disturb  him.  After  remaining  in  this  rapt  pos 
ture  a  few  moments,  he  sighed  heavily,  his  hands 
fell,  his  head  was  bowed,  and  he  whispered,  'Even 
so,  O  God  most  mighty ! ' 

"  Presently  turning  toward  me,  he  said,  without 
any  allusion  to  our  previous  discourse,  '  Aleemon, 
thrice  the  Voice  has  spoken,  and  I  know  that  the 
vision  is  true.  Heard  you  aught,  my  brother  ? ' 

"  And  with  awe  I  answered,  '  Nay.' 

"  He  continued:  'There  is  tumult  in  the  North, 
the  region  of  the  mighty  winds ;  at  first  like  the 
tremor  of  leaves  in  a  breeze,  it  increases  to  a  gale, 
it  crashes  like  a  tornado  ;  the  thunder  bellows,  the 


ALEEMON'S   STORY.  19 

earth  quakes,  the  sea  roars,  its  waters  surge  and  swell, 
an  awful  night  with  blackest  tempest  enshrouds 
the  world ;  but  above  the  crash  and  convulsion  of 
the  elements  I  hear  a  Voice,  clear  and  low,  though 
so  terrible.  It  is  the  voice  of  God.  I  know  not 
the  words,  but  the  same  meaning  always  is  given : 
"The  end  of  all  flesh  is  come;  for  the  earth  is 
filled  with  violence  through  them.  Behold,  I  will 
destroy  them  with  the  earth.  But  with  thee  will  I 
establish  my  covenant,  and  will  save  thee  and  thy 
family.  Build  a  boat,  wide  and  commodious ;  it 
shall  be  thy  refuge  when  floods  of  water  overwhelm 
the  guilty  world." 

" '  I  am  called,  my  brother,  and  must  do  a  proph 
et's  work :  over  me  the  Evil  Ones  have  no  power ; 
God  hath  appointed  bounds  which  they  cannot  pass. 
But  you  are  in  danger ;  you  must  fly,  though  not 
alone,  lest  grief  and  solitude  consume  you.  Take 
for  your  wife  the  beautiful  Lebuda,  who  has  long 
loved  you  well.' 

"  I  answered  :  '  This  revelation  astonishes  me  ;  I 
know  that  you  are  indeed  a  prophet.  The  hour 
of  doom  approaches.  God  has  not  forgotten  the 
world.  I  am  agitated  and  confused ;  my  course  does 
not  seem  clear,  but  I  will  seriously  consider  your 
words.' 


2O  SEOLA. 

"  As  we  silently  descended  the  mountain,  the 
hum  of  the  illuminated  city  came  wafted  toward  us 
with  a  new  and  mournful  significance,  and,  absorbed 
each  in  his  own  solemn  thoughts,  we  sought  our 
quiet  home. 

I  was  married  to  Lebuda,  and  was  happy  in  her 
love,  but  I  did  not  fly.  I  lingered  near  Sippara, 
where,  in  the  great  repositories,  I  could  so  conven 
iently  continue  my  favorite  pursuits.  Here  your 
brother  was  born  and  died ;  his  infant  form  reposes 
in  a  cave  of  the  mountain. 

"  A  few  years  I  remained  unmolested,  for  I  passed 
in  and  out  of  the  city  by  the  most  unfrequented 
streets,  and  never  interfered  in  its  affairs.  I  com 
pleted  the  copy  of  many  valuable  works,  particu 
larly  those  of  Seth,  and  hopefully  drifted  along 
the  stream  of  time. 

"  But  upon  a  certain  evening,  when  Lebuda  came 
near  the  environs  of  the  city  to  accompany  me  in 
the  homeward  walk,  a  crowd  of  Darvands  and  men 
followed  us,  discussing  her  beauty  in  a  way  which 
aroused  my  quiet  nature  to  furious  wrath. 

" '  Honor  to  the  great  serpent  ! '  said  one,  '  we 
have  found  the  queen  of  love.' 

"  '  What  fair  flesh  and  perfect  bloom  !     My  royal 


ALEEMON  S     STORY.  21 

father  shall  have  a  gift  at  my  hands,'  said  a  tower 
ing  Darvand. 

" '  Not  so  fast,  my  brother/  answered  another 
giant ;  '  I  have  a  better  plan.' 

"  Terrified  and  enraged,  I  fled  fast  as  I  could 
drag  the  half-fainting  Lebuda.  Darkness  was  rapidly 
coming  on,  and,  hoping  to  elude  our  pursuers,  I 
doubled  the  narrow  path  through  winding  ways, 
for  well  I  knew  if  we  approached  our  home  directly, 
fire  and  steel  would  in  a  few  moments  finish  their 
wicked  designs.  As  the  darkness  increased,  one 
and  another  of  the  men  became  discouraged  and 
turned  back,  till  the  last  pursuer  disappeared. 

"  Trembling  and  exhausted,  we  reached  the  dwell 
ing,  where,  to  our  surprise,  my  brother  awaited  us. 
With  the  aid  of  our  servants,  he  administered  to  our 
necessities,  and  when  we  were  sufficiently  restored 
to  look  calmly  at  our  perilous  situation,  he  spoke. 

"  '  You  remember,  my  brother,  the  evening  of  the 
third  vision,  when  we  sat  together  upon  Mount 
Hermon,  I  warned  you  that  you  must  fly.  My  words 
were  prophetic.  Too  long  have  you  lingered  near 
Sippara ;  a  few  hours  only  are  left  for  your  escape. 
Lucifer  is  already  informed  of  the  exceeding  beauty 
of  Lebuda,  for  among  women  there  is  none  so  fair. 


22  SEOLA. 

With  to-morrow's  dawn  his  emissaries  are  to  begin 
the  search,  which,  if  you  remain,  will  terminate  in 
your  death,  and  the  transfer  of  Lebuda  to  the  royal 
palace.  Arise,  and  depart  hence.  Haste,  look  not 
back  till  you  reach  the  Hermitage  on  the  banks 
of  the  Upper  Euphrates,  known  only  to  us  and 
our  father.  There,  in  the  seclusion  of  the  vast 
cypress  forest,  you  must  hide  from  all  eyes  save 
those  of  the  Omniscient.' 

"  There  was  no  further  delay.  Our  household 
stores  were  loaded  upon  the  beasts  of  burden, 
Lebuda  and  Elbeth  placed  on  the  camels,  and,  driv 
ing  a  small  herd  of  cattle,  we  soon  passed  a  defile 
in  the  mountain  which  shut  the  city  forever  from 
our  gaze. 

"  Here  my  brother,  who  had  thus  far  accompanied 
us  on  a  fleet  horse,  dismounted,  and,  embracing  me, 
with  many  tears  bade  me  a  last  farewell. 

"  '  We  shall  meet  no  more  in  this  world,'  said  he. 
'  I  see  before  me  a  black  and  yawning  gulf,  but  I 
have  no  fear,  though  the  earth  be  swallowed  up, 
and  the  heavens  consumed :  we  shall  meet  again 
in  peace.  Aleemon,  thou  and  I  alone  are  left, 
worshippers  of  God  :  he  will  not  forget  us.' 

"  Then  giving  me  the  rein  of  his  fleet  steed,  he 


ALEEMON'S   STORY.  23 

motioned  that  I  should  mount  and  press  onward, 
and  from  that  moment  I  saw  him  no  more." 

Here  my  father  paused  and  gave  himself  up  for 
a  few  moments  to  absorbing  melancholy.  He  then 
resumed :  — 

"  Before  dawn  we  were  several  leagues  from  Sip- 
para,  but  rested  not  until  we  had  entered  the  dense 
forest  that  skirts  for  six  days'  journey  the  western 
shore  of  the  upper  river.  We  there  refreshed  our 
selves,  and  offered  the  sacrifice  of  a  young  heifer. 
Having  received  the  token  of  acceptance  by  fire 
from  heaven,  on  the  following  day  we  resumed 
our  journey  with  more  courage,  plunging  deeper 
and  deeper  into  the  forest,  guided  by  a  living 
stone,  and  after  four  days'  journey  we  reached  the 
Hermitage,  which  Lamech  had  prepared  in  the 
hour  of  inspiration. 

"  Here  we  have  lived  in  safety ;  our  garden  has 
flourished  like  Eden  of  old ;  the  flocks  and  herds 
have  increased ;  and  you,  my  beloved  child,  our 
most  precious  possession,  were  sent  to  cheer  the 
solitude.  In  calm  tranquillity  have  I  passed  the 
rolling  years,  giving  you  counsel  or  instruction,  and 
increasing  that  treasury  of  ancient  lore  hitherto  con 
cealed  from  your  innocent  eyes,  but  which  you  may 


24  SEOLA. 

now  peruse  with  advantage.  Therein  is  contained 
the  record  of  families  and  nations,  with  many  a 
story  from  the  lives  of  those  who  have  preceded  us 
in  this  world  of  hope  and  fear,  of  pain  and  pleasure. 
You  will  there  also  find  a  description  of  the  great 
kingdom  of  Lucifer  (to  which  God  grant  you  may 
ever  remain  a  stranger),  and  of  other  people  and 
countries  in  distant  parts  of  the  earth,  where,  safe 
from  the  Evil  Ones  and  their  children,  we  might 
have  hoped  to  dwell,  but  for  the  stern  injunction 
of  the  prophet  that  we  must  remain  concealed  ; 
discovery  will  be  fatal. 

"  I  am  content ;  but  your  mother,  now  that  you 
are  grown  and  do  not  require  her  maternal  care,  is 
often  unhappy.  She  feels  vaguely  the  loss  of  that 
life  in  which  she  is  fitted  to  shine,  and  where  she 
would  have  been  the  admiration  of  all  eyes.  I 
observe  her  growing  uneasiness  with  extreme  anx 
iety.  I  know  not  what  it  portends.  Guard  your 
own  heart,  and  assist  me,  my  dear  child,  to  divert 
your  mother,  lest  an  evil  thought  should  enter  her 
mind." 


THE   DISCOVERY. 


THE   DISCOVERY. 

AT  this  moment  my  mother  appeared  coming 
down  the  avenue.  She  was  flushed  with  labor, 
and,  as  she  slowly  moved  forward,  I,  for  the  first 
time,  realized  her  exceeding  loveliness.  She  was 
now  in  the  full  maturity  of  her  charms,  and  of  per 
fectly  developed  proportions.  Her  large  blue  eyes 
drooped  with  a  sad  expression  ;  her  features  were 
of  faultless  symmetry,  her  bosom,  shoulders,  and 
arms  beautifully  rounded,  and  her  color  faint  and 
delicate  as  that  of  the  shells  we  sometimes  find  in 
the  drift  of  the  river ;  but  the  crowning  glory  of 
her  stately  figure  was  the  wonderful  hair.  It  was 
of  a  light  golden  color,  and,  if  extended  to  its  full 
length,  swept  to  her  feet,  and  enwrapped  her  form. 
It  hung  in  heavy  waves,  curling  at  the  ends,  and 
when,  for  convenience,  she  coiled  it  at  the  back 
of  her  head,  it  fell  upon  her  shoulders  like  the 
long  plumes  of  a  bird. 

How  graceful  was  her  step,  how  firm  and  free ! 
My  father,  with  admiration  and  love  in  his  eyes, 
arose  and  led  her  to  a  seat  by  his  side. 


26  SEOLA. 

"  How  fares  the  grape-harvest,  Lebuda  ? "  said 
he. 

"  My  lord,"  she  replied,  "  the  sun  came  into  the 
vineyard  too  brightly,  and  blinded  our  eyes.  It 
was  fearful,  and  I  left  the  place  to  be  sheltered 
by  your  side." 

Aleemon  turned  inquiringly,  for  there  was  more 
in  her  words  than  met  the  ear.  He  was  about 
to  give  utterance  to  some  thought  that  oppressed 
him,  when  a  sudden  flash  and  illumination,  which 
dazzled  us  and  took  our  breath,  checked  his 
reply. 

Glancing  upward,  we  beheld  directly  overhead, 
in  an  opening  between  the  cypress-tops,  some  ob 
ject  like  a  bright  cloud  passing  swiftly,  and  heard 
a  peculiar  sound  of  exultation  ring  out  above  the 
forest.  I  looked  at  my  father  in  amazed  inquiry. 
His  face  was  ashy  pale  ;  he  trembled,  and  fixed  an 
earnest  gaze  upon  the  cloud.  Breathless,  he  cried, 
"  The  Devas  ! "  and  then,  with  terror  depicted  upon 
every  lineament,  drew  us  within  his  arms  and 
hurried  toward  our  home,  round  which  interwoven 
boughs  of  gigantic  trees  and  vines  had  formed 
a  perfect  screen.  To  the  innermost  chamber  of 
this  secluded  dwelling  we  retreated,  and,  making 


THE    DISCOVERY.  2/ 

secure  every  avenue  of  approach,  ray  father  went 
out  to  confer  with  Charmos. 

After  many  hours  he  returned,  looking  pale  and 
fatigued,  but  spoke  with  composure. 

"  From  the  earliest  generation  it  has  been  con 
sidered  a  sacred  duty  that  every  human  being  should, 
once  during  life,  make  a  pilgrimage  to  the  site  of 
ancient  Eden,  and  in  that  place  of  saddest  memory 
offer  prayer  and  sacrifice.  I  fear  I  have  incurred 
the  displeasure  of  the  Almighty  by  deferring  this 
rite.  Therefore,  Lebuda,  do  thou,  with  the  help 
of  Elbeth  and  Seola,  prepare  necessary  food,  also 
awnings  to  screen  us  from  the  heat  of  the  sun 
and  the  night  dews.  Charmos  and  I  will  make 
ready  the  boat,  and  at  daybreak  to-morrow  we 
will  go  forth  upon  the  pilgrimage." 

The  unusual  excitement  in  our  household  and 
the  anticipation  of  a  journey  make  me  almost  wild 
with  joy.  I  can  scarce  compose  myself  to  write ; 
but  I  must  finish  the  journal,  there  will  be  so  much 
to  record  after  my  return.  Four  days  of  travel 
through  a  strange  country,  the  wonders  of  ruined 
Eden,  perhaps  the  sight  of  human  beings,  ourselves 
unseen  of  them.  Why  should  the  others  look  se 
rious  ?  I  can  only  rejoice,  and  yet  I  seem  as  one 


28  SEOLA. 

about  to  pass  into  a  shadow ;  there  comes  a  presen 
timent  of  change.  The  serpent  crossed  my  feet,  — 
a  bad  omen.  The  river  whispers,  "  Danger  is  com 
ing  ! "  I  must  beware. 


CHANGE.  29 


CHANGE. 

Second  Moon. 

O  TIME  of  grief  and  loss !  O  days  and  nights  of 
woe  !  O  dumb  and  lifeless  hours  !  Is  this  the  happy 
valley  where  my  youth  was  passed  ?  I  seem  aged 
now.  The  cypresses  are  black  like  funereal  yews  ; 
their  shade  is  darkness,  and  yet  the  sunlight  is 
hateful  to  my  eyes,  dim  with  weeping.  O,  that  I 
could  find  the  grave !  My  mother  mourns,  but  not 
with  my  deep  sorrow.  In  her  soft  eyes  is  no 
retrospective  glance,  but  a  gentle  light  like  coming 
day. 

How  shall  I  recover  the  broken  thread  of  my 
story  ?  How  make  up  the  calendar  of  sorrow 
marked  by  the  dial  as  ten  suns  only,  but  weighted 
with  the  woe  of  years  ?  Yet  this  journal,  lightly 
begun  at  the  suggestion  of  my  beloved  father, 
must  be  continued  as  a  sacred  duty. 

The  day  was  fair  and  the  omens  auspicious  as 
we  stepped  upon  the  boat  made  ready  to  receive 
us.  Father  and  Charmos,  with  long  poles,  pushed 
from  the  shore,  and  aided  the  wide-spread  sail  that 


3O  SEOLA. 

propelled  us  slowly  along.  The  great  branch  of 
the  Euphrates  which  we  were  ascending,  though 
now  deserted  and  lonely,  in  far-gone  ages  was 
lively  with  the  boats  of  pilgrims  to  Eden,  and 
heavy  vessels  bearing  the  productions  of  other 
lands  to  the  great  cities  on  its  shore ;  but  the 
Wicked  Ones,  who  control  the  affairs  of  the  world, 
have  desolated  this  plain,  striving  to  obliterate 
from  the  memory  of  mankind  every  reminiscence 
of  the  lost  Paradise  ! 

I  was  too  much  occupied  with  the  unaccustomed 
scene  to  find  room  for  mournful  thoughts.  Only 
when  my  eyes  fell  upon  the  snow-white  lamb  rest 
ing  by  the  green  herbs  provided  for  his  food,  and  I 
observed  the  grave  faces  of  my  parents,  did  I  re 
member  the  strange  event  of  yesterday  and  realize 
the  serious  object  of  our  journey. 

As  the  hours  of  this  delightful  day  drew  to  a 
close,  and  the  declining  sun  warned  us  of  the  neces 
sity  for  repose,  father  and  Charmos  warped  the 
boat  into  a  shady  cove,  and  made  it  fast  for  the 
night. 

We  lingered  long  over  supper,  spread  upon  the 
deck  of  our  little  vessel,  and  when  it  was  finished, 
tired  with  the  day's  journey,  I  lay  upon  the  mast, 


CHANGE.  31 

and  fell  asleep  listening  to  the  voices  of  my  parents 
as  they  chanted  the  evening  orison. 

Before  our  boat  was  unmoored  in  the  morning 
we  went  ashore  to  view  the  ruins  of  an  ancient 
city,  once  famous  for  its  magnificence  and  learning, 
now  only  a  mound  of  ashes  overgrown  with  a 
straggling  forest.  Seth,  the  founder  of  this  city, 
was  a  great  sage,  the  inventor  of  the  characters 
used  in  writing.  He  caused  two  wonderful  pillars 
to  be  erected,  upon  which  was  inscribed  the  history 
of  the  world.  These  precious  memorials  of  better 
days  were  destroyed  by  order  of  the  Devas,  but 
not  until  scribes  of  our  family  had  copied  some 
portions  of  the  writing. 

The  scene  grew  wilder  and  more  drear  after  we 
resumed  our  journey.  The  banks  were  tangled 
with  luxuriant  shrubs  and  vines ;  birds  of  brilliant 
plumage  flitted  among  the  trees;  bright  lizards  and 
spotted  serpents  darted  in  and  out  or  lay  coiled 
around  their  trunks.  When  night  came  on  and 
the  journey  drew  to  a  close,  the  river  became  nar 
rower,  and  tall  trees,  arching  over  our  heads,  made 
the  way  solemn  and  gloomy  ;  our  spirits  grew  heavy 
and  conversation  died.  As  the  red  sun,  like  a 
blazing  fire,  sank  out  of  sight  behind  the  great 


32  SEOLA. 

forest,  we  approached   a  rock  which  rose  in  the 
middle  of  the  river. 

"  Here,"  said  my  father,  "  our  journey  terminates. 
Upon  this  rock,  which  parts  the  stream  as  it  issues 
out  of  the  garden,  once  stood  the  vigilant  guard 
with  sword  of  flame.  Alas  !  the  transplanted  tree 
of  life  perished  in  the  ungenial  soil  of  the  wicked 
world  ;  it  renews  its  life-giving  leaves  in  the  garden 
of  heaven.  But  the  cherub,  though  no  longer  visi 
ble,  still  continues  on  earth  to  fulfil  the  high  behests 
of  the  Eternal !  Just  beyond  this  frowning  warder 
lies  the  gateway  of  a  ruined  Paradise :  none  care 
now  to  force  an  entrance,  or  seek  in  its  pure  air 
the  lost  joys  of  innocence; 

"  Here  must  we  offer  our  sacrifice,  the  last  which 
will  ever  ascend  from  this  place  ;  I  feel  a  melan 
choly  pleasure  in  the  thought.  The  future  is  dark 
to  my  vision ;  beyond  to-morrow's  light  stretches 
an  impenetrable  veil ;  the  hand  of  God  has  lowered 
it,  and  I  have  no  fear." 

My  father's  voice  grew  ufireal,  a  far-off  look  came 
into  his  eyes ;  a  sigh,  such  as  had  become  habitual 
with  him,  heaved  his  bosom ;  unconscious  of  our 
presence,  he  whispered,  — 

"  Ah,  my  brother,  does  not  the  hour  draw  near  ? " 


THE    FORSAKEN    EDEN.  33 


THE  FORSAKEN  EDEN. 

AT  early  dawn  we  were  astir  with  preparation 
for  the  solemn  rite.  Upon  the  rock  was  built 
an  altar ;  the  offerings  were  placed  thereon.  As  I 
climbed  the  pathway  to  cover  the  sacrifice  with 
lilies  gathered  at  the  water's  edge,  the  scene  be 
yond  filled  me  with  astonishment. 

A  vast  expanse  lay  stretched  before  us,  bounded 
by  mountains,  rosy  and  purple  in  the  morning 
light.  Born  in  these  far-off  heights,  fed  by  springs 
and  rills,  four  great  rivers,  widening  as  they 
advance,  rolled  through  a  broad  extended  plain. 
Here  were  calm  lakes  and  valleys,  and  the  verdure 
of  meadow  and  grove.  But  no  flocks  reposed  upon 
the  grassy  banks,  nor  cattle  browsed  the  rank 
savannas,  nor  lion  lifted  his  voice  in  the  dark 
glen.  No  harvester  reaped  the  nodding  corn,  or 
loaded  with  purple  grapes  the  creaking  wain.  The 
crimson  apples  lay  in  heaps,  the  nuts  dropped  noise 
lessly  on  the  sod,  the  empty  stubble  rustled  in  the 
wind,  the  untouched  orange  and  fig,  decaying  on 


34  SEOLA. 

the   ground,  went  back   into   the  parent   stem   to 
bloom  again  and  again  in  vernal  beauty. 

Sound  there  was  none,  but  sighing  of  the  winds 
as  they  swept  mournfully  across  the  lonely  Eden  ; 
no  motion  save  the  shadow  of  light  clouds  flitting 
over  tenantless  plains.  Silence  and  solitude  forever 
brooded  there.  A  belt  of  funereal  yews,  under- 
grown  with  a  thicket  of  brush-thorns,  hedged  in  this 
land  of  supernal  but  desolate  beauty.  Directly  in 
front  of  the  Warder's  Rock  was  a  narrow  opening 
bounded  by  two  ancient  yews  of  magnificent  pro 
portions  ;  between  these  trees  had  sprung  up  a 
gigantic  vine,  whose  wide-spread  branches,  twined 
and  interwoven,  made  a  vast  impenetrable  screen, 
closing  the  gateway  of  the  garden  of  the  Lord. 
The  tangles  of  this  deadly  vine  had  formed  them 
selves  into  spectral  characters,  which,  facing  out 
ward,  perennially  renewed  the  inscription, — 
"  SIN,  DESPAIR,  DEATH.  " 

Through  a  mist  of  tears  the  last  look  of  mortal 
eyes  was  now  bestowed  upon  the  forsaken  beauty 
of  the  Lost  Paradise. 


OMENS.  35 


OMENS. 

TURNING  toward  the  altar,  my  father  lifted  his 
voice  in  solemn  confession  and  prayer.  We  then 
removed  to  the  boat,  and  waited  at  a  distance,  re 
peating  in  the  usual  form  our  oblation :  — 

"  Accept,  most  Holy  Father,  the  offering  of  thy 
sinful  but  repentant  children,  and  give  the  gracious 
token  by  fire." 

A  moment  of  breathless  suspense,  and  the  an 
swer  came,  —  but  in  a  manner  which  filled  us 
with  terror.  A  fearful  rumbling,  like  subterranean 
thunder,  was  heard,  the  earth  shuddered,  the  rock 
heaved,  and  with  a  loud  explosion  burst  asunder. 
Fierce  flames  and  sulphurous  vapors  rushed  up 
ward  from  a  yawning  chasm,  that  swallowed  the 
altar  of  sacrifice  and  the  very  rock  upon  which  we 
had  been  standing.  The  waters  of  the  river  bub 
bled,  hissed,  and  then  fell  back  to  the  old  channel, 
our  boat  surged  and  tossed  in  the  terrible  convul 
sion,  and  the  pallor  of  fear  overspread  our  faces. 

We  turned  with  anxious  inquiry  toward  the  fa 
ther.  Upon  his  countenance,  pale  as  our  own,  was 


36  SEOLA. 

no  sign  of  doubt  or  alarm.  His  hands  were  folded 
upon  his  breast,  his  head  was  bowed  in  resignation, 
and  he  sighed,  "  I  accept  the  decree.  The  will  of 
the  Most  High  be  done." 

Then  without  further  words  we  hastened  away 
from  the  scene  of  dire  portent. 


SEOLA    RECEIVES   THE   GIFT   OF   PROPHECY.      37 


SEOLA     RECEIVES     THE     GIFT     OF 
PROPHECY. 

THE  current  was  now  in  our  favor  ;  we  shot  rap 
idly  down  the  river,  the  sun  rode  high  in  a  stain 
less  heaven,  and  when,  for  the  third  time  since  our 
departure  from  home,  it  sank  behind  the  western 
forest,  we  drew  into  the  quiet  cove  where  we  had 
first  landed. 

Tranquillity  was  in  some  measure  restored  as  dis 
tance  increased  between  ourselves  and  the  appalling 
scenes  of  the  morning,  yet  was  the  evening  bene 
diction  of  Aleemon  unusually  earnest.  Fatigued 
by  the  unwonted  adventures  of  the  day,  all  of  the 
party,  except  myself,  were  soon  wrapped  in  deep 
slumber.  Charmos  and  Elbeth  rested  quietly  under 
a  palm-tree  on  shore,  my  parents  reclined  upon  a 
platform  raised  under  the  tent-screen,  and  I  lay 
upon  a  mat  at  their  feet.  The  air  was  serene 
and  the  sky  still  clear ;  the  moon  was  in  the  full, 
and  I  discovered  what  I  could  not  remember  to 
have  seen  before,  the  awful  ruin  of  its  scarred  sur 
face,  the  deep  chasms,  where  rest  motionless  seas 


38  SEOLA. 

of  fog,  the  flickering  light  and  occasional  fires  which 
shoot  from  its  expiring  volcanoes. 

How  tranquilly  I  rested  in  its  weird  beams  and 
listened  to  the  only  sound  that  varied  the  inten 
sity  of  silence,  —  the  ripple  of  the  river  as  it  lightly 
flowed  past  our  boat ! 

Forgotten  by  the  world,  far  from  any  human  habi 
tation,  in  the  midst  of  a  great  wilderness,  shrouded 
by  the  shadows  of  night,  what  cause  was  there  for 
apprehension  ?  Yet  some  unwonted  agitation  —  a 
fear  or  rather  an  expectation  —  rendered  me  for  a 
long  time  wakeful,  and  I  repeated  again  and  again 
these  words  :  "  Enlighten  mine  eyes,  lest  I  sleep  the 
sleep  of  death."  Presently  my  thoughts  became 
confused,  and  I  passed  into  the  land  of  forgetful- 
ness.  Did  any  shadow  of  coming  evil  flit  across 
my  dreams  ?  Alas  !  it  was  the  final  hour  of  child 
hood,  the  last  untroubled  slumber  which  would 
ever  seal  my  eyes  ;  for  before  morning  dawned,  an 
event  occurred  which  dispelled  all  careless  phan 
tasy,  and  changed  forever  the  color  and  current  of 
my  existence. 

I  slept  I  know  not  how  long,  when  I  was  startled 
by  a  flash  of  light,  and  perceived,  although  the 
moon  had  set,  the  air  was  illumined  by  such  an 


SEOLA    RECEIVES    THE    GIFT    OF    PROPHECY.       39 

extraordinary  brilliance  that  my  eyes  involuntarily 
closed  again. 

How  can  I  relate  what  followed,  incredible  even 
to  myself,  but  which  I  know  is  only  too  real  ?  I 
was  powerless  to  move,  and  my  eyes  were  certainly 
closed ;  but  by  some  new  and  strange  sense,  some 
gift  of  second  sight,  I  perceived  standing  directly 
behind  me  two  majestic  beings,  in  form  and  linea 
ment  like  men,  far  more  stately  and  beautiful,  but 
whose  faces  filled  me  with  dismay. 

Upon  each  royal  brow  gleamed  a  star  luminous 
as  their  eyes,  and  the  trailing  garments  were  of 
shape  and  texture  I  had  never  seen  before.  From 
the  taller  and  grander  of  these  figures  emanated 
the  electric  flash  which  had  awakened  me.  The 
look  of  admiration  he  fixed  upon  my  mother,  whose 
transcendent  beauty  reflected  the  unnatural  light, 
was  almost  as  dreadful  as  the  scowl  that  alter 
nated  upon  his  features  when  he  turned  toward 
my  father.  I  was  certain  that  they  were  Devas, 
the  incarnate  celestials  of  whose  existence  I  had 
recently  become  aware.  He  who  was  tall  and 
bright  at  length  spoke  in  words  I  had  never  before 
heard,  but  which,  by  some  new  perception  of  sound, 
I  well  understood. 


4O  SEOLA. 

"  More  beautiful  than  Eve,  and  as  true  to  her 
lord.  The  man  must  die.  Prince  of  the  West, 
send  forth  your  baleful  fire." 

The  dark  Deva  raised  his  hand,  and  from  the 
extended  finger  a  slender  shaft  of  light  like  a  pale 
star-beam  shot  forward  and  quivered  over  my  fa 
ther's  heart. 

The  bright  being  spoke  again  :  "  Smite  the  girl 
also,  Hesperus." 

"  Not  so,  my  Lord  Lucifer,"  said  Hesperus,  sur 
veying  me  attentively;  "this  is  no  common  maiden. 
Seest  thou  her  soul  ?  " 

"  I  see  it  not,"  replied  the  other. 

"  Above  us." 

The  Devas  glanced  upward. 

"  Unlike  all  others,"  exclaimed  Lucifer,  "  clear 
and  strong,  perhaps  dangerous.  She  must  die  ! " 

"  My  lord,"  responded  Hesperus,  "  I  have  done 
you  some  service ;  I  have  hitherto  asked  no  favor, 
but  now  I  would  save  this  maiden,"  hesitating  a 
moment,  —  "  for  myself." 

"  The  Star  of  Evening  would  be  reflected  in 
beautiful  eyes  at  last,"  said  Lucifer,  turning  upon 
him  a  smile  of  surprise  and  triumph. 

I  shivered,  but  there  was  no  motion ;  I  groaned, 


SEOLA   RECEIVES   THE    GIFT   OF   PROPHECY.      4! 

but  I  heard  not  my  own  voice.  I  lay  as  in  the 
deepest  swoon  till  the  morning  sun  shone  upon  our 
little  boat  and  a  shriek  from  Lebuda  aroused  me. 
She  was  trying  to  raise  my  father,  and  loudly  en 
treating  him  to  speak.  Our  old  servants  awoke 
and  came  hurriedly  forward,  but  all  help  was  in 
vain.  Aleemon  was  dead. 

In  our  distress  and  confusion  we  knew  not  what 
to  do  ;  our  piteous  cries  rent  the  air. 

At  that  moment  two  grand-looking  persons  came 
to  the  water's  edge  and  kindly  proffered  their  assist 
ance.  They  seemed  to  be  men  ;  but  by  the  newly 
acquired  sense  I  knew  that  the  name  of  one  was 
Lucifer  and  of  the  other  Hesperus. 

Lebuda,  too  much  distracted  to  observe  my  whis 
pered  caution,  willingly  yielded  to  their  seeming 
kindness  :  the  body  of  Aleemon  was  covered  with 
a  sail-cloth,  and  we  floated  homeward,  hurried  along 
by  the  current  of  the  stream.  Our  new  acquaint 
ances  told  my  mother  that  her  husband  had  died 
of  a  sudden  and  fatal  disease  peculiar  to  that  local 
ity  ;  it  was  a  miracle  we  were  not  all  dead  ;  she 
must  submit  to  the  inevitable  ;  they  would  convey 
us  to  our  home  and  render  all  the  aid  and  conso 
lation  in  their  power. 


42  SEOLA. 

After  a  few  melancholy  hours  we  reached  the 
Hermitage  and  moored  the  boat  at  the  foot  of  the 
cypress  avenue.  I  was  filled  with  indignant  grief 
when  he,  called  Lucifer,  with  tender  assiduity,  aided 
my  mother  and  devoted  himself  to  her  care,  while 
the  wicked  Hesperus  conveyed  the  body  of  his  mur 
dered  victim  to  a  closely  screened  bower  in  a  re 
mote  part  of  the  garden.  Here  Charmos  felled  the 
tall  trees,  and,  despite  my  protestations  and  his  own 
grief,  covered  the  dead  father  and  the  living  arbor, 
deep,  deep  beneath  the  heavy  cypresses,  shut  out 
from  the  sunlight  and  my  loving  eyes  forever. 

I  fled  to  my  little  room,  and  now,  hidden  within 
it,  as  the  shadows  of  night  come  on,  how  gladly 
would  I  lie  down  and  wake  no  more  !  Oh  !  is  not 
this  a  dream,  a  delusion  ?  But  yesterday  my  father 
looked  on  me  so  kindly ;  his  voice  was  sweet  as  he 
gave  wise  counsel  or  related  stories  of  the  olden 
time ;  his  hand  was  strong  and  warm  as  he  aided 
my  weak  attempts  to  climb  the  rock  of  sacrifice. 
Now  his  eyes  are  without  light,  his  face  is  stony ; 
he  answers  not  when  I  implore  him ;  his  cold  hands 
lie  motionless,  though  the  trees  weigh  heavily  upon 
his  breast;  he  regards  not  my  mother  as  she  sits 
weeping  by  the  side  of  haughty  Lucifer. 


SEOLA    RECEIVES    THE    GIFT    OF    PROPHECY.      43 

O  strange,  inexplicable  Death  !  I  walk  as  in  a 
dream.  Stay,  sweet  vision,  thy  words  I  do  not 
comprehend.  I  catch  the  gleam  — 

Alas  !  my  life  is  changed  ;  and  yet  the  moon 
rises  round  and  bright  as  of  old  ;  the  white  clouds 
hasten  through  the  sky ;  the  winds  play  idly  with 
the  cypress  branches,  all  unconscious  or  careless 
of  the  fearful  mystery  in  the  arbor ;  and  the  voice 
of  the  river,  as  in  days  gone  by,  breathes  through 
the  soft  night-air  the  same  strange  word,  "  Com 
ing,  coming,  coming ! " 


44  SEOLA. 


DISASTER 

SEVEN  days  have  passed  since  last  I  wrote,  bring 
ing  other  alarming  events.  I  once  longed  for  change 
and  adventure.  God  forgive  my  childish  folly ! 

I  left  my  chamber  on  the  morning  after  the 
dreadful  day,  with  heavy  heart  and  a  vague  sense 
of  disquiet  and  danger ;  my  mother  came  forward, 
embraced  me  with  much  affection,  and  for  a  few 
moments  we  wept  in  each  other's  arms.  Sensible 
of  a  flash  of  light  across  my  tired  eyes,  I  raised 
them  and  saw  the  Lord  Lucifer,  magnificent  and 
haughty,  standing  near,  with  a  look  of  impatience, 
as  if  the  scene  displeased  him  ;  the  Devas  had  not 
left  the  Hermitage.  Not  wishing  to  obtrude  our 
grief  upon  strangers,  I  hastily  withdrew  to  the 
arbor  study,  hoping  to  remain  unobserved  ;  but  the 
dark  Hesperus  followed  me,  saying,  — 

"  Seola,  I  rejoice  to  behold  your  beauty,  yet  your 
eyes  are  dim  with  weeping.  Let  not  grief  over 
power  you  ;  time  will  soothe  this  sorrow  and  the 
days  again  be  bright." 

These  words  shocked  and  pained  me,  and  when 


DISASTER.  45 

he  extended  to  me  his  hand  —  the  hand  that  had 
slain  my  father — I  recoiled  with  sudden  horror. 

"  Forgive,"  he  said  in  deprecating  tones  ;  "  I 
cannot  pardon  myself  if  I  frighten  or  offend  you. 
Farewell ! " 

Lucifer  was  preparing  to  depart :  taking  the  hand 
of  Lebuda,  as  she  acknowledged  her  obligation  for 
his  kindness,  the  proud  lord  replied,  — 

"  We  would  lightly  esteem  all  service  rendered 
to  one  so  unhappy  and  so  fair.  Command  us  ever." 

The  look  which  accompanied  these  words  was 
bold  and  ardent,  but  her  eyes,  downcast,  compre 
hended  not  the  meaning. 

After  our  new  acquaintances  left  us,  with  the  sense 
of  relief  came  also  that  of  desolation.  Death  has 
extinguished  the  light  of  our  household  ;  the  desire 
of  our  eyes  is  taken  ;  we  are  left  alone  in  an  almost 
impenetrable  forest ;  our  servants  are  aged ;  a 
doubtful  future  is  before  us.  Yet  miserable  as 
solitude  must  be,  an  introduction  to  the  great 
world  is  far  more  to  be  dreaded. 

I  often  discuss  our  prospects  with  my  mother, 
but  her  natural  reticence  is  increased  by  misfortune, 
and  I  seldom  obtain  a  confidential  response. 

Elbeth  shares  my  dismal  forebodings.    One  day, 


46  SEOLA. 

soon  after  the  departure  of  the  Devas,  she  led  me 
to  the  grape-arbor  and  thus  addressed  me:  — 

"  Seola,  I  am  alarmed  for  Charmos.  Since  the 
death  of  your  father  he  is  greatly  changed :  he 
scarcely  eats  or  sleeps ;  his  life  seems  departing. 
He  says  naught  but,  'Alas,  my  master!  O  my 
God  ! '  He  is  old  now  ;  I  fear  he  will  die  ;  and  I 
have  still  more  terrible  fears.  Our  strange  visitors, 
I  love  them  not ;  it  is  many  years  since  we  left 
Sippara,  and  since  I  saw  the  transformed  sons  of 
God  ;  but,  dear  child,  I  fear  that  the  beings  who 
have  found  the  Hermitage  are  not  men.  Your 
mother,  fairest  of  women,  was  concealed  from  the 
eyes  of  the  Devas  in  this  wilderness  ;  she  has  been 
discovered,  and  we  are  safe  no  longer." 

She  clasped  me  in  her  aged  arms,  and  exclaimed 
with  deep  emotion,  — 

"  And  you,  poor  child,  are  like  your  mother. 
God  save  you ! " 

To  which  I  added  devoutly, — 

"  Save  me  from  sin,  O  God  ! " 

Third  Moon. 

The  time  had  passed  heavily ;  we  bleached  and 
prepared  for  spinning  the  store  of  flax,  gathered  the 


DISASTER.  47 

hemp,  clipped  the  hair  of  the  camels  and  wool  of 
the  sheep  to  make  warm  fabrics  for  wet  weather, 
and  many  an  hour  I  spent  in  learning  from  my 
patient  mother  the  art  of  dyeing  thread  and  weav 
ing  the  fine  white  linen,  of  which  our  summer  gar 
ments  are  fashioned.  The  monotony  of  the  dreary 
days  was  relieved  by  light  labor  in  the  garden,  dry 
ing  grapes,  dates,  and  sweet  herbs.  We  conversed 
little,  except  upon  the  subject  of  our  daily  occu 
pations,  and  our  life  went  on  in  a  dull,  eventless 
round,  till  yesterday  at  mid-sun,  when  Elbeth 
rushed  into  our  apartments,  saying, — 

"  Charmos  has  disappeared  ;  he  was  gathering 
dates  upon  the  river-bank,  when  a  sudden  flash  of 
lightning  and  roll  of  thunder  burst  from  a  clear 
sky.  I  saw  him  fall,  and  flew  to  his  assistance. 
The  camels  and  kine  in  great  affright  were  run 
ning  around  the  place  where  he  had  fallen,  but 
him  I  found  not.  O  my  mistress  !  O  my  child ! 
Where  is  he,  where  is  my  husband  ? " 

We  went  forth  in  haste  to  the  river :  a  half-filled 
basket  was  standing  under  the  date-tree  ;  the  cattle 
bellowed,  and  with  heads  erect  looked  down  the 
stream.  Upon  its  hurrying  waters  we  perceived 
the  mantle  of  our  good  old  servant  floating  out 
of  sight. 


48  SEOLA. 

Then  we  lifted  up  our  voices  and  wept,  threw 
dust  upon  our  heads,  and  in  grief  and  despair  sat 
upon  the  earth,  while  the  dew  and  darkness  of 
night  fell  around  us. 


WOOING    OF    THE    STAR-SPIRITS.  49 


WOOING    OF   THE    STAR-SPIRITS. 

As  day  began  to  dawn,  a  boat  was  seen  coming 
down  the  stream,  and  from  the  unusual  light  that 
pervaded  the  water,  and  a  sudden  illumination  as  it 
neared  the  shore,  I  recognized  with  sinking  heart 
the  presence  of  Star-Spirits. 

Perceiving  our  group,  the  boat  drew  to  the  land 
ing  ;  two  well-remembered  forms  advanced  to  the 
spot  where  we  were  sitting,  and  Lord  Lucifer 
spoke  thus, — 

"  Passing  this  shore  upon  a  hasty  affair  of  state, 
we  were  reminded  of  our  last  sorrowful  visit,  and 
turned  aside  to  inquire  how  fares  the  lovely  Le- 
buda." 

Then  surveying  the  group  earnestly,  with  hypo 
critical  surprise  he  exclaimed,  — 

"Ah  !  what  new  calamity  has  befallen  thee,  most 
beautiful  of  women  ?  Why  is  that  glorious  head 
defiled  with  ashes,  which  should  be  crowned  with 
flowers,  nay,  with  a  royal  diadem  ?  " 

"  Alas  !  my  lord,"  Lebuda  answered,  "  Charmos 
is  dead !  The  decrees  of  fate  are  against  us." 


5O  SEOLA. 

"  O  fairest  of  earth's  daughters,"  said  he,  extend 
ing  his  hands  to  aid  her,  "  even  fate  relents  in  the 
presence  of  thy  tears ;  thou  shalt  be  protected. 
Arise  ;  forget  thy  sorrow  while  we  take  counsel 
with  regard  to  the  future." 

I  had  no  time  to  remonstrate,  for  Hesperus  im 
mediately  addressed  me :  — 

"  And  thou  wilt  need  a  friend,  Seola.  Turn  not 
away,  but  consider  my  words.  Lebuda  will  depart 
with  Lucifer ;  if  thou  remain  alone  in  this  wilder 
ness,  death  will  soon  ensue  and  thy  fair  form  be 
come  a  prey  to  savage  beasts.-  Remove  to  Sippara, 
and  greater  danger  threatens ;  but  if  I  may  claim 
the  sacred  right  of  protection,  safety  and  happiness 
are  assured.  Seola,  thou  hast  power  never  before 
conferred  on  mortal  maid  ;  thou  art  inspired  by  am 
bition  lofty  as  that  which  animates  my  own  spirit. 
Thou  wert  born  to  be  an  archangel's  bride.  Be 
come  the  partner  of  Hesperus,  share  in  his  glory, 
and  the  unimaginable  fervor  of  a  seraph's  passion 
will  enkindle  thy  human  soul ;  love  and  honor  shall 
be  thine,  such  as  woman  has  never  known  ;  the 
treasures  of  earth  will  be  laid  at  thy  feet ;  a  prin 
cess  shalt  thou  reign,  in  my  kingdom  and  in  my 
heart. 


WOOING    OF    THE    STAR-SPIRITS.  $1 

"  But  lest  the  breath  of  a  wicked  world  should 
dim  the  lustre  of  my  precious  pearl,  I  have  pre 
pared  a  Paradise  in  the  far  West,  remote  from  the 
haunts  of  men.  The  fierce  sun  cannot  penetrate 
its  shade,  nor  Deva's  glance  intrude  upon  its 
privacy  ;  above  floats  the  white  cloud,  and  in  cool 
recesses  flowers  distil  perfume ;  doves  nestle  in 
overhanging  boughs,  in  the  fountain  white  swans 
sail,  and  on  the  margin  lilies  nod.  Thither  shall 
Seola  retire  if  the  grandeur  of  royalty  becomes 
oppressive." 

Then  my  soul  became  enlarged,  and  I  replied,  — 
"  O  Hesperus,  though  I  am  a  weak  and  ignorant 
maiden,  humblest  of  the  daughters  of  men,  by  some 
power  I  can  neither  explain  to  another  nor  myself 
understand,  I  know  that  thou  art  a  Star-Spirit, 
made  for  purity  and  glory,  but  now  only  less 
wicked  than  yon  proud  being  who  walks  by  my 
mother's  side.  I  know  that  a  crisis  impends  in  the 
affairs  of  earth,  a  pall  hangs  over  the  kingdom  of 
the  Devas ;  the  day  of  reckoning  draws  nigh,  and 
all  who  are  found  at  that  dread  moment  in  the 
service  of  Lucifer  will  sink  to  darkness  and  despair. 
I  am  permitted  to  warn  you ;  more  than  that  I 
cannot  do. 


52  SEOLA. 

"  Be  your  bride  ?  Share  your  power  and  glory  ? 
Sooner  would  I  die  by  lingering  starvation;  sooner 
would  I  give  my  body  to  wild  beasts  or  devouring 
flames.  I  fear  naught  but  the  death  of  the  soul. 
Ambitious  ?  In  that  thou  saidst  truly,  but  my  am 
bitions  rise  beyond  the  bounds  of  sense  and  time." 

I  was  astonished  at  my  own  earnestness,  and 
hid  my  blushing  face  ;  but,  marvellously  sustained,  I 
walked  away  from  Hesperus,  who,  overcome  by  the 
conflict  of  disappointed  passions,  became  deadly 
pale  and  remained  motionless. 

The  Devas  soon  left  us  :  I  do  not  know  what 
passed  between  Lucifer  and  my  mother ;  she  was 
thoughtful  and  restless,  but  spoke  not,  and  upon 
myself  filial  awe  imposed  reluctant  silence.  An 
impassable  barrier  seemed  to  have  arisen  between 
us  ;  confidence  was  at  an  end. 

***** 

The  rainy  season  set  in  with  unusual  severity  ;  fu 
rious  tempests  scowled  from  the  sky,  and  electric  fires 
ran  along  the  tree-tops.  Was  it  because  I  missed 
the  sheltering  arms  of  my  father,  that  the  thunder 
seemed  more  fearful  than  ever  ?  Certainly,  an  ex 
cited  imagination  did  not  mislead  me,  for  many 
cattle  died  of  the  stroke,  trees  were  set  on  fire,  the 


WOOING    OF    THE    STAR-SPIRITS.  53 

date-bearing  palms  were  thrown  down,  the  river  rose 
and  flooded  the  garden  ;  destruction  raged  over  the 
Hermitage.  Our  food  and  garments  became  mil 
dewed  ;  we  drew  near  to  the  gates  of  death.  I  could 
but  connect  these  misfortunes  with  the  power  of 
the  Devas,  who  I  knew  were  malignant,  as  they 
were  grand  and  beautiful. 

One  memorable  evening  after  a  day  of  boisterous 
storm,  when  the  gale  had  shaken  our  habitation  till 
it  was  ready  to  fall,  the  declining  sun  struggled 
through  the  clouds,  and  a  sudden  light  pervaded 
the  scene,  —  a  peculiar  brilliance  which  I  but  too 
well  understood. 

Like  sunbeams,  like  the  scintillation  of  stars, 
Lucifer  and  Hesperus  appeared  before  us  ;  their 
voices  were  sweet  and  their  words  gentle.  Follow 
ing  them  was  a  troop  of  strange  beings,  black  in 
complexion  and  dwarfish  in  stature,  but  of  great 
strength.  They  bore  upon  their  backs  large  bun 
dles  wrapped  in  oilskins :  carefully  unrolling  these, 
they  knelt  and  placed  at  my  mother's  feet  baskets 
of  fruit,  meats,  and  drinks  unlike  any  we  had 
hitherto  known  ;  some  of  the  packages  contained 
beautiful  fabrics,  shawls  and  girdles  rich  with  em 
broidery,  and  —  most  ravishing  to  my  unaccustomed 
sight !  —  jewels  of  crystal  and  gold. 


54  SEOLA. 

But  curious  admiration  was  checked  when  I  dis 
covered  upon  every  package  a  uniform  mark,  in 
shape  like  a  winged  serpent.  I  looked  at  the  bear 
ers  of  the  treasures  ;  upon  the  breast  of  the  tunics 
which  they  wore,  and  upon  the  band  which  crossed 
their  foreheads,  was  the  same  emblem.  I  knew  the 
deadly  meaning  of  the  seal.  It  was  the  seraphic 
form  in  which  the  Tempter  appeared  to  our  mother 
Eve,  and  I  fled  to  my  own  apartment  in  great  alarm. 

Here,  from  the  little  window,  I  looked  out  long 
and  earnestly  into  the  darkening  sky.  No  trace  of 
the  storm  remained  ;  the  moon,  now  in  its  second 
quarter,  was  scarcely  obscured  by  fleecy  clouds 
stretched  over  the  whole  heavens ;  and  through  a 
thousand  soft  openings  was  disclosed  the  dark  blue 
vault  studded  with  twinkling  stars.  The  anxious 
tumult  in  my  breast  was  calmed ;  all  nature  seemed 
to  bend  over  me  with  a  smile  and  benediction.  I 
was  alone,  indeed,  without  human  companionship, 
but  now  and  ever  with  the  Lord. 

A  light  step  at  the  door  interrupted  my  medita 
tion,  and  Lebuda  entered  the  chamber. 

"The  banquet  is  prepared  ;  will  you  not  join  us, 
Seola?" 

The  question  did  not  harmonize  with  my  mood, 


WOOING    OF    THE    STAR-SPIRITS.  5$ 

and  I  answered,  perhaps  too  briefly,  "  No,  my 
mother." 

"  Our  life  is  so  sad  and  dull,  will  you  not  aid  to 
brighten  it  ? " 

"  I  cannot,  my  mother." 

"The  Lord  Lucifer  honors  you  with  an  invita 
tion  ;  will  you  not  accept  it  ?  Hesperus  inquires  for 
you,  and  anxiously  awaits  your  coming  ;  will  you  not 
see  him  ? " 

Then  I  fell  upon  my  knees  and  clasped  Lebuda's 
hand. 

"  Dear  mother,"  I  exclaimed,  "  God  has  enlight 
ened  my  mind,  therefore  permit  me  to  speak. 
Lucifer  and  Hesperus  are  treacherous  friends. 
They  have  destroyed  Aleemon  and  Charmos,  and 
can  easily  take  our  lives;  but  over  the  immortal 
part  of  our  nature  they  have  no  power,  except  as 
it  is  conferred  by  our  own  will.  In  the  world  of 
spirit  a  pure  woman  is  stronger  than  the  most 
malignant  demon.  For  their  wicked  purpose  the 
Devas  desire  possession  both  of  the  soul  and  body ; 
therefore  they  condescend  to  temporize,  to  per 
suade,  to  allure.  O  mother,  do  not  yield,  lest  you 
embrace  Death ! " 

"  Seola,"  she  answered  soothingly,  "  you  are  a 


56  SEOLA. 

child,  utterly  without  knowledge  of  the  world  ;  your 
judgment  is  immature,  a  timid  fancy  has  misled 
you.  In  this  wilderness  death  is  indeed  inevita 
ble  ;  in  Sippara,  my  early  home,  whither  my  heart 
has  ever  turned,  we  shall  find,  under  the  protection 
of  its  powerful  lord,  not  only  life,  but  happiness. 
Lay  aside  these  unseasonable  fears,  and  come  with 
me  to  the  banquet." 

Again  I  answered,  —  I  could  say  naught  else,  — 
"  Nay,  my  mother." 

With  a  sigh  Lebuda .  retired ;'  and  when  I  had 
partaken  of  the  simple  food  Elbeth  brought  for 
my  repast,  I  commended  my  soul  to  God,  and 
afterward  slept  in  peace,  though  at  intervals,  dur 
ing  the  night,  I  was  awakened  by  unusual  noises 
in  the  forest,  —  the  crash  of  falling  trees  and  the 
sound  of  mechanical  implements. 

My  first  consciousness  in  the  morning  was  self- 
reproach  that  I  had  left  my  mother  and  Elbeth  so 
long  alone  with  our  dangerous  guests. 

Robed  more  closely  than  usual,  and  with  a  fold 
of  linen  over  my  head,  I  opened  the  door  of  my 
room,  and  saw  at  the  farther  extremity  of  the 
avenue  the  majestic  form  of  Lucifer  standing  be 
fore  Lebuda,  who  sat  with  her  face  averted  from 


WOOING    OF    THE    STAR-SPIRITS.  5/ 

his  gaze.  As  I  slowly  walked  toward  them  I  ob 
served,  more  perfectly  than  ever,  the  magnificent 
proportions  of  the  Deva,  —  the  massive  head 
crowned  with  golden  curls,  the  powerful  shoulders 
and  shapely  limbs,  the  grace  and  harmony  of  every 
motion,  the  strength  and  elasticity  of  the  figure, 
scarcely  concealed  by  folds  of  a  cerulean  robe 
thickly  set  with  silver  stars. 

Did  my  eyes  deceive  me  ?  Upon  his  shoulders 
appeared  something  like  transparent  wings,  which 
vanished  into  the  flowing  drapery.  Verily  this  was 
a  son  of  God,  — the  Light-Bearer  of  the  heavens ! 

With  quickened  sense  I  could  distinguish  every 
word. 

"  Let  me  persuade  you  ;  I  have  now  held  pos 
session  of  the  earth  for  many  cycles,  and  am  still 
unconquered,  yea,  stronger  and  more  secure  than 
of  old ;  for  Heaven  abandons  the  strife. 

"  Lucifer  will  reign  in  perennial  manhood  for 
ever,  but  not  alone ;  power  for  his  strong  hand, 
love  for  his  heart.  Among  all  of  mortal  mould, 
never,  until  the  happy  hour  in  which  your  match 
less  form  enchained  my  eyes,  have  I  met  my  peer. 
"  Lebuda  must  never  die,  rendered  immortal  by 
our  great  love ;  the  equal  and  companion  of  Lu- 


58  SEOLA. 

cifer,  she  must  reign  through  the  rolling  ages, 
Queen  of  the  Earth  and  Bride  of  the  Sun." 

Taking  from  a  fold  in  his  garment  a  jewelled 
bracelet,  he  clasped  it  upon  her  arm,  saying, — 

"  By  this  token  the  compact  is  sealed." 

I  saw  the  band  of  flashing  gems,  bright,  like 
coals  of  fire,  and  where  it  closed  together  were 
two  entwined  serpents.  In  terrified  expostulation 
I  cried  out, — 

"  Beware,  O  my  mother ! " 

Lucifer  turned  sharply,  and  bestowed  upon  me 
such  a  look  of  displeasure  as  almost  deprived  me 
of  strength.  I  stepped  suddenly  backward,  and 
found  myself  in  the  arms  of  Hesperus.  The 
tender  firmness  of  the  embrace  was  irresistible. 
A  thrill  responsive  shot  through  my  frame,  an  im 
pulse  to  return  the  pressure  almost  overpowered 
me ;  but  at  that  perilous  moment  I  caught  the 
scornful  smile  of  Lucifer  as  he  retreated  with  Le- 
buda,  and  I  cried  out, — 

"  Help  me,  God  Almighty ! " 

At  that  word  the  clasping  arms  relaxed,  the 
magnetic  chain  was  dissolved;  with  one  bound  I 
was  free,  and  stood  confronting  Hesperus. 

He  was  robed  in  trailing  garments  of  royal  pur- 


WOOING    OF    THE    STAR-SPIRITS.  59 

pie,  a  band  of  gold  encircled  his  head,  where  rested 
a  pale  star,  and,  glowing  with  emotion,  he  was 
beautiful  as  Lucifer. 

My  face  flashed  with  indignation  and  fright ;  yet, 
though  repulsed,  the  Deva  said  with  patient  ear 
nestness  :  — 

"  Listen,  Seola.  I  speak  to  you  in  confidence, 
for  you  are  no  less  discreet  than  fair.  Lucifer  has 
had  many  wives,  and  to  all,  as  to  Lebuda,  he  prom 
ised  immortality ;  but,  when  wearied  of  his  queen, 
he  subtly  persuades  her,  and  the  victim  retires  at 
the  solicitation  of  her  sated  lord,  drinks  of  the  am 
aranthine  cup,  and  dies  by  a  petrifying  poison ! 

"  Fear  nothing,"  he  added,  seeing  me  shudder ; 
"  together  we  will  defeat  his  artifice  ;  his  coun 
sellor  possesses  the  antidote  for  his  deadly  narcotic, 
and  can  aid  you  to  save  Lebuda  from  the  fate  of 
her  predecessors. 

"  But  I  have  more  to  say,  Seola.  Unlike  Luci 
fer,  Hesperus  has  no  roaming  desire.  Ambition, 
not  pleasure,  called  him  from  the  service  of  the 
Eternal. 

"  I  wage  war  against  Heaven,  because  I  would 
have  power  and  reign  a  great  prince.  I  will  be 
the  peer  of  Lucifer,  nay,  his  dictator.  I  would  reign 


6O  SEOLA. 

in  solitary  grandeur,  and  yet  —  only  the  One  Su 
preme  is  self-contained,  and  dwells  in  awful  solitude. 
Sometimes  I  long  for  dual  being,  for  another  self 
to  share  my  bounteous  life,  upon  whose  heart  my 
own  may  rest  in  times  of  trouble  and  weariness. 
The  women  of  this  world  have  I  found  weak  and 
base.  I  turned  from  them  in  disgust  until  mine 
eyes  met  thine,  O  thou  most  regal  maid  !  The 
daughters  of  the  sky  are  cold ;  them  we  love  with 
out  desire ;  but  thou,  warm  palpitating  child  of 
earth,  art  fair  as  forms  that  flit  across  the  plains 
of  heaven,  and  yet  as  pure. 

"  Thou  art  mine  other  self,  O  strongest  soul, 
completest  womanhood !  Love  for  thee  now  fills 
my  heart,  transforms  my  being.  I  would  hold  thee 
forever  and  forever,  brightest  jewel  in  my  crown, 
rarest  bliss  in  earth  or  heaven.  Hesperus,  the 
passionless,  bows  to  one  of  mortal  mould.  Accept 
his  adoration,  make  him  happier,  exalt  him  with 
thy  love,  my  queen,  Seola." 

With  a  look  of  infinite  yearning  he  extended 
his  arms.  I  was  attracted,  as  is  steel  by  the  mag 
net  ;  my  brain  grew  dizzy,  my  sight  indistinct,  the 
pleading  voice  became  a  confused  sound.  Then 
memory  whispered  Aleemon's  name,  reason  con 
quered  feeling,  and  I  replied:  — 


WOOING    OF    THE    STAR-SPIRITS.  6l 

"  Hesperus,  not  even  the  safety  of  my  mother 
shall  tempt  me.  Sin  is  more  dreadful  than  death, 
holiness  more  to  be  desired  than  glory.  I  am 
inspired  with  wisdom  and  strength  beyond  my 
own  comprehension  ;  I  know  that  you  fell  from  holi 
ness  when  you  renounced  the  service  of  the  Lord 
of  Heaven  :  still  lower  are  you  debased  this  day. 

"  You  ask  my  love  ;'  the  gift  would  be  fatal,  the 
union  accursed.  So  far,  you  may  be  restored.  If 
I  yield  to  your  persuasion  we  shall  sink,  but  not 
together,  into  everlasting  perdition." 

I  then  drew  forth  a  small  dagger,  which  since  the 
visit  of  the  Immortals  I  had  always  carried,  and 
spoke  again :  — 

"  I  know  not  what  spirit  moves  me.  I  love  you 
not,  O  Hesperus,  yet  would  I  plunge  this  weapon 
into  my  own  heart  to  save  you  from  the  sin  of 
my  embrace." 

I  held  the  point  of  the  dagger  firmly  upon  my 
bosom,  and  Hesperus,  after  gazing  upon  me  in 
astonishment,  silently  withdrew. 

Not  in  vain,  O  Aleemon,  didst  thou  warn  thy 
child  ;  not  in  vain  did  thy  heart  grow  chill  beneath 
the  deadly  blight !  And  yet  —  the  thread  of  my 
fate  is  twined  with  that  of  Hesperus. 


62  SEOLA. 


GREATER    CHANGE. 

Sippara. 

Palace  of  Light,  North.  Tower.  Fourth  Moon. 

O  INCREDIBLE  mutation  of  human  affairs  !  One 
month  ago  I  was  an  orphan  child,  laboring  unknown 
and  uncared  for  in  a  lonely  forest ;  now  I  am  the 
daughter  of  a  queen,  in  a  marble  palace,  attended 
by  slaves,  looking  out  from  the  midst  of  sumptuous 
appointments  upon  the  splendors  of  the  richest  city 
in  the  world. 

Day  is  just  breaking,  —  the  hour  when  we  were 
wont  to  commence  our  early  toil,  that  we  might 
rest  through  the  hot  and  drowsy  hour  of  noontide ; 
but  here  night  is  turned  into  day,  and  in  the  glare 
of  ten  thousand  lamps  feasting  and  revelry  fill  up 
the  passing  hours.  I  have  just  returned  from  such 
a  scene ;  but  before  sleep  seals  mine  eyes,  I  must 
record  the  events  of  the  last  few  fateful  days. 

After  Hesperus  left  me  in  the  cypress-grove,  I 
turned  away  and  wandered  alone  upon  the  bank  of 
the  river.  Swollen  by  heavy  rains,  it  hurried  on 
with  whirling  eddies,  repeating  the  old  sound  in 
agitation  and  unrest ;  the  whole  air  was  filled  with 


GREATER    CHANGE.  63 

electric  uneasiness,  the  winds  rushed  wildly  around, 
the  leaves  bristled  on  the  trees.  A  flutter  and  a 
stir,  then  Elbeth's  voice  calling  from  the  avenue,  — 

"  Come,  Seola,  come,  my  child ! " 

As  we  drew  near  the  dwelling  a  bewildering 
scene  met  the  eye.  It  was  so  like  the  pictures 
in  an  ancient  manuscript  I  had  just  finished  read 
ing  ("The  History  of  King  Irad,"  most  famous 
monarch  of  the  Land  of  Nod),  that  I  could  scarce 
persuade  myself  this  was  not  a  dream.  Objects 
I  had  never  before  seen  were  easily  recognized, 
and  I  gave  them  their  appropriate  names.  How 
wonderful  did  everything  appear  to  my  uninitiated 
vision,  revealed  in  the  bright  morning  sunshine  ! 

Before  the  entrance  of  our  dwelling  stood  a  huge 
golden  chariot,  lined,  cushioned,  and  canopied  with 
a  soft  shining  fabric  of  palest  hue.  Yoked  to  the 
royal  car  were  six  white  elephants  with  harness 
and  trappings  of  scarlet  and  gold.  Mounted  upon 
the  back  of  each  huge  beast  was  a  black  dwarf 
robed  in  scarlet  and  holding  a  guiding  wand  in 
his  hand.  In  front  and  rear  were  seen  a  band 
of  gigantic  men,  clad  also  in  scarlet,  with  black 
plumes  upon  their  heads,  and  marshalled  in  battle 
array.  These  I  knew  must  be  the  terrible  beings 


64  SEOLA. 

of  whom  my  father  had  spoken,  —  Darvands,  the 
offspring  of  angels  and  women.  Strong  and  beau 
tiful  were  they,  but  the  expression  of  their  faces 
made  me  recoil,  and  even  fly  for  protection  to 
the  side  of  Lucifer  and  Hesperus,  between  whom 
Lebuda  stood,  never  half  so  lovely  and  radiant  as 
at  this  moment.  Depending  from  her  head  and 
enveloping  her  perfect  figure  was  a  transparent 
veil  through  which  gleamed  a  white  robe,  —  alas  ! 
not  of  linen,  but  of  a  texture  similar  to  the  blue 
and  silver  garment  of  the  Lord  Lucifer,  who  stood 
haughty  and  impatient  while  he  waited  my  coming. 

"  Seola,"  said  my  mother  in  deprecating  tones, 
"  wilt  thou  not  go  with  us  ? " 

Trembling  with  consternation,  but  strong  in 
courage  not  my  own,  I  replied,  — 

"Our  garden  is  overflowed,  our  date-trees  are 
destroyed  by  lightning,  our  camels  and  kine  have 
perished,  my  father  and  Charmos  are  dead ;  I 
can  but  go  with  you.  God  save  me  from  sin  ! " 

At  the  last  words  a  hiss  arose  from  the  giants 
and  a  scowl  overspread  the  features  of  Lucifer  ;  his 
hand  grasped  the  hilt  of  his  sword,  but  Hesperus 
stepped  quickly  to  the  front,  and,  raising  his  hand 
significantly,  said, — 


GREATER    CHANGE.  65 

"  My  lord,  the  maiden  is  mine." 

"  Give  me  one  moment  to  prepare,"  I  cried,  "  and 
I  will  accompany  you." 

I  hastened  to  the  study,  and  with  the  assistance 
of  Elbeth  placed  in  a  basket  the  manuscripts  and 
writing  materials  of  Aleemon,  and  the  amethyst 
cylinder  presented  by  him  on  my  last  birthday  ;  I 
covered  all  with  a  web  of  fine  linen,  and  gave  it 
in  charge  of  the  black  dwarfs.  For  one  instant  I 
yielded  to  the  sharp  pang  of  separation. 

"  Farewell  to  the  happy  past,"  I  cried,  "  farewell 
to  the  home  of  my  heart,  to  forest,  bower,  and 
river,  and  to  my  father's  grave,  a  sad  farewell ! " 

Then  I  returned  to  the  waiting  group.  Lucifer 
and  Lebuda  were  already  seated  in  the  chariot. 
Elbeth  and  myself  were  directed  to  occupy  a 
screened  apartment  on  one  side  of  the  car.  Hes 
perus  took  a  place  opposite,  and  obedient  to  a 
command  from  Lucifer,  the  gorgeous  cavalcade 
moved  forward  without  the  slightest  obstruction. 
This  was  indeed  a  marvel,  for  we  were  in  the  depths 
of  a  tangled  forest.  I  now  perceived  what  had 
caused  the  unusual  noises  of  the  night.  The  trees 
had  been  felled  and  a  broad  highway  constructed  ; 
thus  we  passed  swiftly  without  jar  or  sound. 


66  SEOLA. 

The  Darvands  were  arranged  with  precision  in 
advance  and  rear,  but  none  were  permitted  to  ap 
proach  the  chariot ;  silent  and  sullen,  they  ran  with 
measured  tread,  subdued  by  fear  of  the  royal  dis 
pleasure. 

For  some  hours  the  scenery  and  surroundings 
were  familiar :  dense  forest,  overarching  trees,  birds 
and  blossoms  like  those  of  the  Hermitage  ;  but  pres 
ently  we  emerged  into  a  vast  plain,  where  no  trees 
obstructed  the  sunlight  nor  glancing  shadows  check 
ered  the  pathway.  The  broad  day  glared  from  low 
meadows  and  flashed  from  sluggish  streams.  At  a 
distance  were  cities  glimmering  in  the  light ;  in  the 
near  cornfields  and  vineyards  laborers  toiled  in  the 
sun  and  looked  up  with  stealthy  glance  as  the  train 
passed  by. 

Night  was  now  approaching.  The  journey  which 
had  occupied  Aleemon  for  four  days  had  been  per 
formed  by  the  fleet  elephants  in  a  few  hours.  We 
were  drawing  near  Sippara.  During  our  progress 
the  voices  of  Lucifer  and  Lebuda  were  often  heard 
in  earnest  conversation,  but  with  sense  absorbed  in 
our  new  and  changeful  surroundings,  and  soul  pre 
occupied  with  conjecture  as  to  an  inscrutable  future, 
I  gave  little  heed  to  their  discourse. 


GREATER    CHANGE.  6/ 

As  I  seriously  meditated  my  soul  became  en 
lightened  and  many  doubtful  matters  were  made 
plain.  When  the  dull  pressure  of  sense  is  gone, 
how  clear  the  vision  !  Troops  fill  the  sky  and  spec 
tres  walk  the  earth,  voices  are  on  the  breeze,  all 
nature  speaks.  But,  gloom  or  glory,  accents  loud 
or  low,  the  spirit  hath  no  fear. 

And  I  heard  a  voice,  as  it  were  the  breath  of  the 
wind,  saying,  "  Fear  not,  little  one,  the  Devas  can 
not  compel  the  resolute,  righteous  soul.  Thou  hast 
set  thy  face  to  do  the  will  of  the  Most  High ;  be 
thou  faithful  unto  the  end.  The  time  is  at  hand." 

Then  was  brought  to  mind  the  marvellous  deliv 
erance  of  my  father's  brother,  also  in  what  way 
the  strength  of  Hesperus  had  become  weakness, 
and  I  prayed  earnestly,  "  God  of  the  Prophet,  be 
thou  my  defence." 


68  SEOLA. 


SIPPARA  IN  THE  SUNLIGHT. 

As  the  last  rays  of  the  setting  sun  streamed 
over  the  landscape,  we  passed  the  gorge  in  Mount 
Hermon  where  Aleemon  had  parted  from  his 
brother  the  prophet,  and  I  beheld,  with  the  fresh 
deliglit  of  a  child  of  the  wilderness,  the  magnifi 
cent  city  and  valley  of  Sippara,  seat  of  the  empire 
of  Lucifer. 

Its  marble  towers  and  palaces  glittered  with 
gold ;  statues  and  fountains  gleamed  white  among 
fern-palms,  spice-groves,  and  gardens,  where  fall 
ing  waters  sparkled  in  the  sunset  fire.  Along 
its  paved  streets,  throngs  of  people  and  carriages 
were  moving,  and  a  confused  hum  mingled  with 
the  fragrance  ascending  from  grove  and  garden. 
Through  the  midst  of  the  city  flowed  a  broad 
river,  and  upon  its  bosom,  reflecting  the  warm 
colors  of  the  sky,  boats  with  silken  sails  were  glid 
ing,  while  myriads  of  unseen  bells,  fitfully  shaken 
by  the  evening  breeze,  filled  the  air  with  sound 
more  musical  and  soothing  than  the  murmur  of 
bees  at  noontide. 


SIPPARA    IN    THE    SUNLIGHT.  69 

Upon  the  mountain  top  was  a  lofty  building 
from  which  all  the  surrounding  country  could  be 
overlooked ;  this,  I  afterward  learned,  is  called 
Lucifer's  Tower,  the  place  where  the  great  mon 
arch  watches  the  motion  of  the  stars,  or  holds  con 
sultation  with  his  angelic  confederates. 

At  the  right  of  this  imposing  edifice  stood 
another,  vastly  larger  and  more  wonderful,  the  glo 
rious  Palace  of  Light.  It  was  built  upon  massive 
arches  of  stone,  in  shape  like  a  star,  thus  enclos 
ing  a  great  court.  Upon  the  long  lines  of  wall, 
which  formed  the  star-points,  rose  marble  struc 
tures,  miracles  of  beauty,  and  toward  the  sunset 
and  sunrise,  and  to  the  north  and  south,  four  lofty 
towers,  overlaid  with  gold,  aspired  to  reach  the 
skies.  Upon  the  highest  of  these  a  tall  shaft  was 
erected,  and  around  it  was  entwined  the  mon 
strous  image  of  a  winged  serpent.  As  the  breeze 
struck  its  pinions  it  writhed  around  the  standard, 
and  the  scales  of  green  and  the  fiery  eyes  glit 
tered  like  those  of  living  creatures. 

Below  the  Tower  of  Lucifer  was  a  fair  lake  where 
in  were  floating  gardens  of  exceeding  beauty. 

"  That  place,"  said  Elbeth,  with  a  shudder,  "  I 
well  remember ;  it  is  the  Lake  of  Sacrifice." 


7O  SEOLA. 

And  now,  as  the  royal  train  entered  an  avenue 
of  spice-trees  leading  to  the  city,  Lucifer  checked 
our  advance,  and  dismissed  the  Darvands,  whose 
superhuman  strength  had,  during  the  day,  kept 
pace  with  the  swift  elephants.  To  avoid  their  bold 
gaze  I  turned  toward  the  mountain,  and  saw,  upon 
the  declivity,  a  group  which  at  once  attracted  my 
attention.  In  advance  was  a  dignified  man  and 
three"  younger  persons,  who  were  directing  the  re 
moval  of  timber  which  had  been  cut  from  the  dense 
groves  far  in  the  heights.  The  halt  of  the  chariot 
brought  this  party  to  rest,  giving  us  an  opportu 
nity  to  observe  them  more  closely. 

The  eldest  person,  evidently  the  father,  was  of 
handsome,  grave,  even  melancholy  aspect.  His 
flowing  beard  and  peculiar  expression  caused  my 
heart  to  throb  with  mournful  memories,  for  I  im 
agined  I  could  trace  a  resemblance  to  my  beloved 
father. 

Two  of  the  young  men  were  dark  and  stern, 
but  the  other  was  fair  and  stately  as  a  palm-tree. 
He  pushed  from  his  white  brow  the  curling  locks, 
and  surveyed  the  royal  train  with  grave  curiosity 
until  his  eyes  rested  upon  the  chariot.  In  a  mo-  < 
ment  there  came  to  his  face  a  flush  and  bright 


SIPPARA     IN    THE     SUNLIGHT.  Jl 

consciousness  like  recognition,  and,  as  we  moved 
forward,  he  seemed  about  to  follow. 

We  passed  from  sight,  and  my  cheeks  burned 
with  shame,  for  had  I  not  too  earnestly  returned 
his  gaze  ? 

But  why  distress  myself?  Why  care  for  the 
stranger  I  may  never  meet  again,  and  who,  per 
chance,  forgot  me  before  I  reached  the  city  ? 

The  sun  set,  the  glory  died  out  of  the  scene,  a 
chill  pervaded  the  gray  atmosphere  as  we  passed 
under  a  grand  archway  in  the  southern  wall  of  the 
palace  and  entered  the  magnificent  court.  De 
pressed  though  I  had  suddenly  become,  I  could 
but  marvel  at  the  wonderful  architecture.  Carv 
ings,  inscriptions,  and  tinted  images  that  rivalled 
their  living  models,  everywhere  met  the  eye ;  while 
through  tessellated  footpaths  and  carriage-ways 
pressed  an  expectant  throng  who  kneeled  upon 
the  ground  and  hailed  the  monarch's  arrival  with 
shouts  of  adulation.  As  the  chariot  halted  before 
the  most  superb  of  the  corner  towers,  where  gay 
courtiers  stood  in  waiting,  Lucifer  lifted  Lebuda 
in  his  arms ;  together  they  floated,  rather  than 
walked,  up  the  marble  stairway,  and  vanished  from 
sight  in  the  broad  illuminated  hall.  I  followed  in 


72  SEOLA. 

great  bewilderment.  There  was  no  abrupt  sound 
or  motion,  like  retreating  footsteps,  only  the  noise 
less  glide  of  a  serpent. 

Through  long  corridors,-  where  gilded  pillars 
upheld  the  vaulted  ceiling,  we  were  escorted  to 
apartments  in  the  northern  tower.  Here  every 
imaginable  luxury  awaited  us,  and  obsequious 
slaves  stood  ready  to  anticipate  our  wants.  The 
chambers  appropriated  to  Lebuda  exceed  the  wild 
est  dreams  of  imagination.  The  ceiling  of  the 
principal  apartment  is  arched,  and  painted  to 
represent  the  star-lit  sky,  in  which  the  day-star 
outshines  all  others.  Transparent  curtains,  draped 
from  the  centre  of  the  dome,  soften  but  do  not 
obscure  its  lustre.  Upon  the  walls  are  gorgeous 
tapestried  scenes  of  war  and  the  chase.  Always 
triumphant,  the  magnificent  form  of  the  great  mon 
arch  is  seen  in  every  posture,  displaying  strength 
and  beauty. 

In  the  small  banquet-room  are  portrayed  the  rev 
els  of  the  gayest  and  most  dissolute  of  the  Devas. 
The  figures  are  not  pleasing,  but  the  flowers  and 
fruit  rival  those  upon  the  tables,  heaped  in  golden 
baskets. 

The  bedroom  is  like  a  garden  of  roses.     There 


SIPPARA    IN    THE    SUNLIGHT.  73 

again  is  reproduced  the  majestic  but  voluptuous 
form  of  the  Light-Bearer  reclining  beneath  shelter 
ing  vines,  or  wandering  through  sequestered  walks 
in  company  with  one  alone,  whose  lineaments  re 
produce  but  too  faithfully  Lebuda's  beauty. 

The  bath  is  a  scalloped  pearl-shell,  into  which 
flows  perfumed  water.  Mats  are  spread  upon  the 
jasper  floors,  soft  and  bright  like  grassy  lawn 
sprinkled  with  flowers.  Everywhere  glows  the 
action,  color,  and  warmth  of  life,  and  a  light  like 
that  of  the  full  moon  pervades  the  balmy  air. 

Fatigued  by  long  travel  and  unwonted  excite 
ment,  I  soon  took  leave  of  my  happy  mother  for 
the  night,  and  retired  to  the  adjoining  chamber, 
prepared  for  my  especial  use. 

What  a  contrast  to  that  which  I  had  just  left! 
Cool,  colorless,  sombre,  a  realm  of  thought,  not 
sense  ;  wall  and  ceiling  all  of  ivory,  polished  and 
carved  in  leafy  boughs,  flowers,  birds,  and  butter 
flies  ;  long  mirrors  reflecting  beautiful  designs,  and 
startling  me  with  the  reduplication  of  my  own 
white  image  standing  entranced  and  motionless. 
Upon  the  marble  floor  of  blue  and  gray  were 
mats  of  bleached  wool  and  goat's-hair.  Chairs 
and  divans  invited  repose,  and  in  a  small  recess 


74  SEOLA. 

stood  a  dainty  table  containing  every  utensil  for 
writing. 

Through  the  high  ceiling  a  subdued  light  en 
tered,  etherealizing  every  object. 

It  was  a  dream,  —  a  dream  of  peace  and  purity 
and  spirituality.  Above  the  couch  had  been  placed 
an  inscription  of  frosted  silver  inlaid  upon  ivory. 

"  Rest,  sweet  soul, 
In  the  home  of  spirit." 

But  for  the  caution,  now  become  habitual,  I 
should  have  given  expression  to  the  rapture  such 
beauty  inspired  ;  for  I  thought,  "  Here  would  I  ever 
rest ! "  But,  looking  more  intently,  I  saw,  what  had 
at  first  escaped  notice,  the  characters  used  for  the 
words  "  soul "  and  "  spirit "  were  those  implying 

personality. 

"  Rest,  sweet  Seola, 
Jn  the  home  of  thy  Spirit." 

Ah,  Hesperus !  thy  love  has  prepared  this  wel 
come  ;  but  the  home  of  a  Star-Spirit  cannot  be 
Seola's  place  of  rest. 

Then  I  forgot  fatigue  in  the  sense  of  danger, 
and  remained  a  long  time  absorbed  in  thought. 

Upon  one  side  of  the  chamber  a  tall  screen  of 
ivory  lace-work  stood  before  a  broad  arched  door, 


SIPPARA    IN    THE    SUNLIGHT.  75 

opening  upon  a  balcony.  The  air  of  the  chamber 
had  suddenly  grown  oppressive,  and  I  went  forth 
into  the  silent  night. 

Beneath  was  a  garden  of  exceeding  beauty ; 
thickets  of  trees  and  parterres  of  flowers  inter 
spersed  lawns  where  gleamed  alabaster  vases,  mar 
ble  images,  and  jets  of  water  rising  misty  and 
ghost-like  as  they  were  swayed  by  the  night-wind. 

All  was  secluded  and  dusky,  save  the  light  from 
an  extraordinary  fountain  in  the  midst  of  the  gar 
den,  where,  instead  of  water,  were  bubbling  waves 
of  fire.  As  these  occasionally  shot  upward  in  flame, 
the  unnatural  light  penetrated  the  recesses  of  the 
grove,  and  by  the  fitful  flash  I  perceived  a  stately 
figure  pacing  the  dim  aisles,  whose  grand  propor 
tions  and  dignified  carriage  could  not  be  mistaken. 

The  solitary  wanderer  paused  as  if  his  attention 
were  attracted.  I  would  have  retired  unobserved, 
but  in  an  instant  he  was  by  my  side  and  detained 
me  gently,  saying,  — 

"  Do  not  fear  ;  never  shall  one  curl  of  thy  golden 
hair  shrink  from  the  unwelcome  touch  of  Hesperus. 
O  Seola,  beautiful,  beloved,  look  forth  into  the 
western  sky !  Seest  thou,  brightest  of  yon  celes 
tial  group,  a  star  radiant  and  tender  as  thine  own 


76  SEOLA. 

eyes?  There  once  I  reigned,  happy  and  pure.  I 
would  return  unto  mine  ancient  realm.  I  have 
seen  thy  soul,  Lily  of  light,  and  I  tire  of  earth,  its 
baseness  and  sin. 

"  O  my  adored,  if  thou  wilt  be  mine,  we  will  fly 
to  that  fair  world,  leaving  earth  and  its  inglorious 
mortality.  The  joys  of  sense  I  now  resign ;  thou 
dost  not  fear  to  die :  with  one  kiss,  the  first  and  last, 
I  will  gently  take  thy  breath,  and  thy  strong  soul, 
united  with  my  spirit,  will  rise  to  yonder  star,  there 
to  reign  forever.  Upon  the  vault  of  heaven  I 
read  :  '  The  Hour  of  Fate.  Seola  guides  ! ' >: 

The  majestic  form  drooped,  the  haughty  head 
bent  low,  the  seraphic  voice,  sweet  and  sad  as  the 
wind-harp,  trembled.  "  Have  pity,  Seola  !  " 

The  tenderest  chords  of  my  nature  vibrated  to 
the  appeal  for  sympathy,  to  the  grief  of  such  a 
being.  He  constrained  me  by  his  woe,  he  en- 
franced  me  by  the  melancholy  of  his  eyes;  again  I 
felt  the  strange  magnetism  that  had  so  nearly  over 
powered  me  at  the  Hermitage,  and  I  cried  out  in  an 
agony  of  distracting  emotion  :  — 

"  O  God,  deliver  me  from  the  power  of  this  Spirit ! 
Save  him  from  himself;  save  him  from  my  love! 
Why  are  the  creatures  of  God  so  tempted  ? " 


SIPPARA     IN     THE     SUNLIGHT.  // 

Then  a  voice  fell  from  heaven,  saying,  "  To  show 
forth  his  great  power  ! " 

With  that  strength  returned,  and  I  raised  my 
head  ;  the  Deva  had  left  me. 

Then  I  retired  to  my  chamber  and  sat  in  anxious 
fear,  far  into  the  night.  At  length,  reassured  by 
continued  quiet,  the  tumult  in  my  breast  was  hushed, 
and  I  composed  myself  to  record  the  adventures  of 
this  fateful  journey. 

A  weight  has  fallen  upon  my  soul,  my  heart  is  as 
lead,  my  steps  falter,  a  discord  enters  life,  harsh, 
intolerable.  Yet  listen,  doubting  Seola  ;  does  not 
a  soft  voice  whisper,  "The  jarring  symphony,  the 
chord  of  suspense,  prelude  the  eternal  harmonies  "  ? 
*  *  *  *  * 

The  marriage,  Lebuda  informs  me,  will  not  be 
celebrated  for  several  days  ;  certain  rites  of  purifica 
tion  are  required,  which  with  preparation  of  the 
wardrobe  and  decorations  will  cause  delay. 

This  intelligence  gives  me  hope ;  events  may 
transpire  to  change  entirely  the  aspect  of  affairs. 
Ah,  how  much  that  was  unlocked  for  has  occurred 
since  the  waning  of  the  last  moon  ! 


78  SEOLA. 


THE   DREAM. 

I  CANNOT  rest ;  the  gloom  of  this  unholy  place 
increases  and  overpowers  my  spirit.  I  had  fallen 
asleep,  and  at  that  dread  hour  when  the  Giant 
Constellation  plunges  headward  into  the  western 
waters,  I  perceived,  but  not  by  outward  sense,  two 
gaunt  and  ravening  spectres  stand  by  the  bedside 
of  my  mother.  Upon  the  forehead  of  one  was 
stamped  Murder,  and  upon  the  other  Lust. 

"  She  is  mine,"  said  Murder. 

"We  will  share  her,"  said  the  other. 

"  Agreed  ;  we  will  share  her  when  the  tide  turns" 

"  O  God,"  I  groaned,  "  save  my  deluded  mother, 
and  carry  away  these  dreadful  creatures,  when  the 
tide  turns." 

With  that  the  forms  slowly  vanished,  and  I  awoke. 
The  meaning  of  the  vision  is  not  revealed.  I  am 
perplexed,  yet  must  I  again  betake  myself  to  slum 
ber,  for  trying  scenes  are  before  me. 


PRINCESS   SEOLA   IN ,  THE   CITY   OF   THE   SUN. 


THE  PRINCESS  SEOLA  IN  THE  CITY 
OF    THE    SUN. 

IN  the  morning  I  visited  Lebuda  and  found  her 
surrounded  by  ladies  of  the  court  and  artists  pre- 
. paring  for  the  approaching  ceremony.  My  pres 
ence  was  not  required,  and,  learning  that  the  grand 
monarch  and  his  counsellor  were  to  be  absent 
during  the  day,  I  ventured  into  the  halls  of  the 
Palace  of  Light.  From  the  dome  over  the  great 
colonnade  a  thousand  lustres  reflected  the  rays  of 
the  sun,  revealing  more  perfectly  than  the  lamps 
of  evening  the  exquisite  finish  and  decoration  of 
the  architecture,  the  colored  mosaic  of  the  floor, 
the  brilliant  paintings  upon  the  walls  and  sculp 
tured  reliefs  of  the  ceiling,  where  are  portrayed 
love-scenes  of  the  Immortals  and  beautiful  women, 
battles  between  dragons  and  angels,  triumphal  pro 
cessions,  bands  of  strange  captives,  and  represen 
tations  of  festivals  and  pageants,  all  the  carvings 
tinted  with  the  colors  of  life. 

I  saw  many  slaves  and  workmen  employed  as  I 


8O  SEOLA. 

passed  through  a  long  marble  gallery  till  I  reached 
the  eastern  tower.  Here,  finding  a  curtained  bal 
cony,  I  went  forth  to  enjoy  the  view  of  the  city 
and  valley  which  lay  in  that  direction.  Glory  and 
grandeur  far  as  the  eye  could  reach ! 

The  mountain-slope  was  beautified  by  walks  and 
carriage-ways,  groves,  arbors,  and  fantastic  struc 
tures.  The  shaded  avenues  converged  towards  the 
palace,  and  were  at  this  hour  filled  with  gay  fig 
ures  and  elegantly  appointed  vehicles  passing  in 
an  ever-changing,  ever-renewed  stream  of  life  and 
beauty ;  while  upon  its  lofty  eminence  the  enor 
mous  serpent  still  twined  and  twisted  like  a  thing  of 
life.  The  buildings  of  the  marble  city  harmonized 
in  style  with  the  Palace  of  Light :  upon  the  highest 
point  of  each  glittered  a  golden  star,  but  at  a  dis 
tance,  near  the  entrance  of  the  valley,  was  a  singu 
lar  structure,  entirely  unlike  the  others,  being  of 
wood,  bulky  and  low,  without  any  attempted  beauty 
of  proportion,  at  which  I  wondered  greatly. 

And  while  I  mused,  a  woman  attended  by  a  slave 
came  through  the  open  door  and  sat  down  on  the 
opposite  side  of  the  balcony. 

She  was  attired  after  the  elegant  but  dissolute 
style  of  the  palace,  and  though  beautiful  in  face 


PRINCESS   SEOLA   IN   THE   CITY   OF   THE   SUN.      8 1 

and  figure,  had  a  worn  and  melancholy  expression. 
I  saluted  her  respectfully,  and  inquired  if  I  should 
disturb  her  by  remaining.  She  answered  that  these 
were  her  apartments,  and  that  my  presence  was  an 
honor.  I  then  questioned  her  with  regard  to  the 
low  building  in  the  distance,  so  incongruous  with 
that  scene  of  splendor.  She  answered,  "  That  is 
Tebah,  intended  to  float  upon  the  great  waters." 

"  A  boat  ?  "  I  exclaimed  in  astonishment.  "  It 
is  far  from  the  river,  and  much  too  large  to  float 
upon  its  surface." 

"  Yes,"  said  the  woman,  with  a  scornful  smile, 
"  that  enormous  boat  has  been  more  than  a  hun 
dred  years  in  building,  —  the  work  of  a  fanatical  old 
man  and  his  sons,  who  believe  that  this  valley  will 
presently  become  a  sea,  upon  which  they  will  be 
securely  borne  while  the  floods  continue.  They 
declare  that  the  God  of  heaven  is  displeased  with 
the  present  state  of  the  earth,  and  has  determined 
to  destroy  all  living  beings. 

"  It  may  be  true,  as  the  old  man  says,  that  there 
is  a  God  in  heaven,  but  Lord  Lucifer  certainly 
possesses  the  world ;  all  is  now  under  his  control : 
the  princes  of  the  earth,"  she  added  with  a  sigh, 
"  have  yielded  to  his  might,  and  now  that  the 


82  SEOLA. 

Prince  of  the  Power  of  the  Air"  (here  her  voice 
sank  to  a  whisper)  "is  subject  to  his  will,  none  are 
left  to  oppose  his  majesty.  So  the  foolish  preacher 
has  built  his  own  tomb,  which  Lord  Lucifer  will 
consume  by  lightning  some  day,  after  his  family 
are  insnared  within  it." 

Then  said  I,  with  increasing  interest,  — 

"  O  my  mistress,  make  known  the  name  of  the 
preacher  !  " 

She  answered  :  "  He  is  called  '  Noah,  King  of 
the  Waters  ' :  unlike  any  other  man  of  these  times, 
he  has  taken  but  one  wife ;  two  of  his  sons  have  fol 
lowed  his  example  ;  but  the  third,  who  is  by  far  the 
handsomest  man  in  Sippara,  has  never  married  or 
even  loved.  The  fair  ones  of  Sippara  would  sacri 
fice  a  score  of  Darvands  to  see  him  at  their  feet, 
but  the  toils  are  spread  in  vain." 

Musing,  she  added,  "Ah,  cruel  Japhet,  through 
love  for  thee,  unhappy  Sakontala  died!" 

Instantly  my  thought  reverted  to  the  group  I 
had  seen  upon  the  mountain-side  :  the  timber  was 
for  the  building  of  Tebah  ;  the  patriarch  was  my 
father's  brother,  the  resemblance  was  not  acciden 
tal  ;  the  sons  were  my  cousins  ;  and  the  beautiful 
youth  whose  gaze  had,  I  fear,  found  in  my  eyes  a 


PRINCESS    SEOLA    IN    THE    CITY    OF    THE    SUN.        83 

too  responsive  answer,  was  the  youngest  son,  he  of 
whom  the  woman  spoke.  Why  did  I  tremble  lest 
I  was  in  error  ?  Ignorant  of  my  interest  in  this 
family,  she  changed  the  subject,  and  with  languid 
indifference  said :  — 

"  And  are  you  not  the  daughter  of  the  new 
queen  ?  She  is  surpassingly  beautiful,  according 
to  report,  though  mature,  and  may  not  hold  sway 
longer  than  did  the  last  favorite." 

"  When  did  —  the  queen  die  ? "  I  inquired. 

"  I  know  not  if  she  be  dead ;  't  is  but  a  moon's 
quarter  since  she  drank  the  amaranthine  cup,  and 
was  placed  in  the  crypt  of  immortality.  It  is  said 
that  Lord  Lucifer  can  recall  the  sleepers,  but  I 
have  been  in  this  palace  many  long  years,  and  have 
seen  none  come  forth  from  that  chamber.  Why 
are  the  queens  not  warned,  say  you  ? 

"  All  remember  the  fate  of  that  rash  maid,  who, 
to  save  her  beloved  mistress,  spoke  one  word  of 
caution,  unavailing.  For  ages,  sailors  driven  out  of 
their  course  by  wintry  storms,  have  heard  screams 
issue  from  the  frozen  caves  of  the  lone  rock  Zem, 
where  still  the  wretched  Tamee  suffers. 

"  Lucifer  may  offer  to  woman  the  cup  immortal, 
but  not  from  love. 


84  SEOLA. 

"  And  I  dare  speak  thus  to  you  ?  O  child,  truth 
and  honor,  like  a  halo,  encircle  your  brow,  your 
eyes  disarm  doubt  and  jealousy,  yet  by  this  trust 
my  life  is  endangered  ! 

"  Yet  what  care  I  ?  Long  since  I  became  apa 
thetic,  hopeless  :  even  ambition  dies  in  this  smoth 
ering  atmosphere ;  the  reflections  of  the  picture  are 
bright,  but  the  shades  are  midnight  gloom.  I  know 
the  secrets  of  this  place  too  well.  Would  you 
know  them  ?  Then  must  your  eyes  be  closed  to 
sights  that  will  sear,  your  hearing  be  dulled  to  the 
cry  of  pain  and  woe,  love  and  pity  must  hold  no 
place  in  your  breast,  and  your  heart  be  turned  to 
stone.  I  am  reckless  and  tired  of  life,  or  I  would 
not  speak  thus.  Suspicion  lurks  in  every  alcove ; 
Revenge  hides  behind  each  column  ;  Envy  and 
Jealousy  walk  the  corridors  ;  Treachery  and  Con 
spiracy  scarce  conceal  their  malignant  forms  in  the 
tapestried  chambers ;  while  Torture  and  Murder 
gloat  over  the  work  of  the  foul  fiends  in  the  vaults 
below.  You  are  beautiful ;  take  my  advice,  and  se 
cure  the  protection  of  a  Deva  or  the  son  of  a  celes 
tial,  otherwise  you  will  not  be  safe  for  one  hour. 
Aurenion,  my  lord,  is  scribe  to  Hesperus  the  coun 
sellor,  and  has  access  to  the  keys  of  the  palace ; 


PRINCESS   SEOLA    IN   THE   CITY   OF   THE   SUN.    g$ 

with  him  have  I  wandered  through  its  secret  re 
cesses,  and  nerved  my  heart  against  despair  by 
witnessing  woes  greater  than  my  own." 

Touched  by  pity  for  this  unhappy  woman,  I  asked 
her  name  and  story,  and  how  she  had  become  an 
inmate  of  the  Palace  of  Light. 


86  SEOLA. 


THE  STORY  OF  SIMOURGA  THE  SOR 
CERESS. 

"  MY  name,"  said  the  woman,  "  is  Simourga ;  I 
was  born  a  thousand  measures  from  Sippara,  on 
the  shores  of  the  great  inland  sea,  a  land  of  per 
petual  spring,  of  beauty  and  delight.  My  father 
was  a  powerful  prince,  who  governed  a  happy  peo 
ple  by  just  and  equal  laws,  for  he  was  a  worshipper 
of  God.  He  refused  the  fealty  and  tribute  exacted 
by  Zamiel,  a  fierce  Deva,  who  precipitated  himself 
upon  the  earth  after  the  descent  of  Lord  Lucifer, 
and  established  his  kingdom  on  the  borders  of  the 
land  in  which  for  ages  the  dynasty  of  Napethos 
had  borne  sway.  The  monarchs  of  our  line,  who 
were  warlike  and  wise,  remained  undisturbed  after 
the  other  princes  of  the  world  succumbed  to  the 
Deva  powers. 

"O  happy  days,  when  in  my  father's  royal  bark, 
with  Angeros  my  betrothed  for  a  companion,  we 
sailed  across  the  midland  sea  and  passed  the  nar 
row  gate  of  rocks  which  Giant  Atlas  tore  asunder 
when  he  would  reach  the  Atlantine  shore !  To  the 


THE   STORY   OF    SIMOURGA   THE    SORCERESS.        8/ 

far  west,  upon  the  bosom  of  the  deep,  lay  the  Am 
ber  Isles,  raised  by  the  dwarfs  of  ocean  in  distant 
ages  when  Wandu  and  Wejas  strove. 

"  Thither  the  light  winds  wafted  us,  and  many 
months  we  remained  in  the  land  of  unclouded  skies 
and  never-failing  verdure,  gathering  gold  and  pur 
ple  fruit,  breathing  health  and  delight  from  the  air 
of  ocean,  till  my  father  was  summoned  to  defend 
his  kingdom  from  an  attack  of  the  Devas.  Vain 
struggle !  Zamiel  made  alliance  with  Lord  Lucifer. 
They  united  their  armies  of  Darvands,  strong, 
crafty,  cruel  warriors,  and  swept  over  our  kingdom 
like  fire  across  the  stubble.  Our  city  and  palace 
were  burned,  the  army  slaughtered,  my  father,  his 
generals  and  priests,  were  tortured.  Arigeros  was 
slain  ;  my  mother  died  of  a  broken  heart ;  but  I 
was  taken  to  the  court  of  Zamiel,  and  spared  on 
account  of  my  beauty. 

"  Accursed  possession,  it  is  leaving  me  now ! 

"  I  should  have  been  the  queen  of  Zamiel  but  for 
the  arrival  of  a  fairer  captive ;  in  that  fortune  fa 
vored  me. 

"I  was  married  to  the  Darvand,  and  soon  after 
our  union,  when  the  counsellor  of  Lord  Lucifer 
came  to  the  court  of  Zamiel  upon  an  embassy, 


88  SEOLA. 

Aurenion  entered  his  service  and  removed  to  Sip- 
para,  for  the  queen  had  been  strangled,  and  he 
feared  from  .certain  tokens  that  his  father's  fancy 
for  me  might  return. 

"  Here  have  I  lived,  unhappy  certainly,  though 
with  the  most  constant  ,of  the  .demigods,  for  Au 
renion  is  encouraged  to  continence  :by  his  master, 
;who  condemns  the  universal  license.  ; 

"  When  I  came  to  this  place  I  retained  the  im 
press  of  my  early  faith,  but  I  have  long  since  aban 
doned  all  expectation  of  intervention  from  Heaven. 
I  have  listened  to  tales  of  war  and  subjugation, 
to  stories  of  mighty  deeds  by  the  immortal  men  ; 
I  have  seen  the  unsparing  cruelty  and  undisturbed 
domination  of  their  giant  sons,  till  I  am  con 
vinced  that  faith  in  God  is  a  fiction  of  the  imagi 
nation.  The  weak  minds  of  the  common  herd 
crave  a  religion,  and  Lucifer  has  supplied  it  in  the 
worship  of  his  symbol,  the  serpent. 

"  The  kingdoms  of  earthly  princes  have  passed 
away, — all  but  those  of  Blackland,  which  the  Devas 
never  visit,  except  to  obtain  wild  animals  or  dwarfs 
of  humankind.  God,  if  there  be  one,  cares  not  for 
men,  nor  takes  notice  of  their  affairs  ;  he  leaves  the 
earth  to  my  lords  Lucifer,  Zamiel,  Hesperus,  Asmo- 


THE   STORY   OF   SIMOURGA   THE   SORCERESS.        89 

deus,  Sanyanza,  Obora,  Satan,  and  many  others, 
who  reign  in  distant  regions,  and  pay  allegiance 
to  the  Light-Bearer,  who  seduced  them  from  heaven 
and  placed  them  in  power. 

"  No  doubt  thou  art  still  deluded  by  fantastic 
hope :  this  will  soon  be  dissipated,  and  thou  wilt 
acknowledge  that  God  has  forsaken  the  earth,  thou 
wilt  abandon  the  fallacy  of  prayer,  and  curse  thy 
fate  and  the  Devas,  as  I  do  at  this  moment." 


9O  SEOLA. 


THE  OGMYRS. 

ASTONISHED  by  such  a  history,  and  shocked  at 
the  impiety  of  Simourga,  I  hesitated  to  reply;  just 
then  a  procession  of  strange  figures,  passing  a  nar 
row  pathway  which  led  from  the  city,  diverted  our 
attention.  In  advance  was  a  band  of  men,  hide 
ous  in  aspect,  with  scarlet  feathers  on  their  heads, 
upon  their  bodies  red  tunics  emblazoned  with  yel 
low  dragons,  and  in  their  hands  sharp  scimitars. 

"  The  Ogmyrs  ! "  said  Simourga,  with  a  shudder. 

"  Who  are  the  Ogmyrs  ? "  I  inquired. 

"  Priests  of  the  Devas  who  attend  Ferrusharraba, 
the  Great  Serpent,  and  offer  the  sacrifice  upon  which 
he  and  his  brood  are  fed,  every  day  at  noon." 

I  cast  another  timid  glance  at  the  procession  of 
Ogmyrs :  their  cruel  and  unrelenting  faces  were 
occasionally  turned  backward  toward  a  line  of 
naked  men  who  tottered  after  them  with  feet  ham 
pered  by  heavy  chains  and  hands  bound  behind 
their  backs ;  their  heads  were  bowed,  and  their 
mournful  wail  betokened  fear  and  despair. 


THE     OGMYRS.  QI 

"  These,"  said  Simourga,  "  are  victims  about  to 
be  slain  at  the  Lake  of  Serpents,  receiving  pun 
ishment  perchance  for  some  slight  offence  to  our 
masters,  or  without  pretext  sacrificed  in  malignant 
wantonness  to  satisfy  the  clamor  of  the  supersti 
tious  and  imbruted  crowd." 

Appalled  at  the  sight  of  such  monstrous  cruelty 
I  arose  in  great  fear,  and  hastened  to  the  solitude 
of  my  own  apartment  lest  I  should  witness  some 
other  horror. 

Toward  evening  I  was  roused  by  the  entrance 
of  Lebuda,  now  doubly  radiant  in  the  gorgeous 
robes  and  gems  presented  by  her  enamored  lord. 

"Seola,"  said  she,  "our  simple  life  at  the  Her 
mitage  has  unfitted  us  for  the  splendor  and  mag 
nificence  now  at  our  command  ;  this  royal  state 
confuses  me  ;  I  fail  to  realize  the  proper  bearing 
of  events  ;  sometimes  my  heart  misgives  me,  and  I 
fear  the  change  is  evil ;  but  these  doubts  are  the  re 
sult  of  ignorance  and  unfamiliarity  with  the  world. 
The  Lord  Lucifer  is  grand  and  noble  ;  he  excuses 
my  deficiency,  and  devotes  himself  to  my  happiness  ; 
he  would  exalt  me  to  his  own  lofty  standard :  thus 
gratitude,  as  well  as  love,  bids  me  overcome  every 
scruple. 


Q2  SEOLA. 

"  This  evening  the  crystal  court  is  to  be  illumi 
nated  in  honor  of  our  arrival,  and  I  am  to  be  pre 
sented  to  the  people  of  Sippara  as  their,  future 
queen.  You  are  invited  to  share  in  the  ceremonies 
of  the  hour :  slaves  will  soon  place  at  your  disposal 
robes  of  honor  and  jewels  fit  for  the  daughter  of  a 
queen.  O  my  child,  do  not  refuse  to  accompany 
me,  and  participate  in  my  fortune  and  glory !  You 
are  the  only  tie  that  binds  me  to  the  past ;  I  may 
yet  wish  to  retrace  my  steps  ;  let  not  this  link  be 
broken." 

"  I  will  accompany  you,"  I  answered,  "  but  let  not 
the  queen  be  displeased  if  I  refuse  the  jewels  and 
robes  of  state.  The  gifts  of  Lucifer  would  ill  be 
come  the  daughter  of  Aleemon." 

Then  I  wept,  and  continued, — 

"  O  my  mother,  the  change  is  naught  but  evil ! 
You  will  never  retrace  your  steps." 

"  You  are  excited,  and  speak  wildly,"  said  Le- 
buda.  "  I  will  leave  you  to  calm  yourself  before  the 
night  comes  on." 

My  appearance  must  have  justified  her  words, 
for  I  felt  the  strange  tremor  and  flush,  the  super 
natural  power  of  speech  and  sight,  which  since  the 
night  of  Aleemon's  death  has  often  inspired  me. 


THE    OGMYRS.  93 

Lebuda  retired,  and  presently  came  maids  and 
eunuchs  bearing  the  gifts  of  Lucifer,  and  also  a 
jewel-casket  of  exceeding  beauty  sealed  with  the 
signet  of  Hesperus. 

After  they  had  retired,  I  laid  aside  the  royal 
gifts,  enwrapped  myself  in  a  veil  of  finest  linen, 
transparent  and  white  as  the  marvellous  flower  that 
never  sees  the  sun,  and  thus  awaited  the  signal  of 
illumination. 


94  SEOLA. 


JAPHET. 

WE  entered  the  crystal  court  amid  a  blaze  of 
light,  with  sounds  of  ravishing  music  and  acclama 
tions  of  the  crowd.  A  band  of  Darvands  and  a 
body-guard  of  blacks  escorted  us  to  a  high  dais  in 
the  centre  of  the  court,  where  Lucifer  with  royal 
majesty  awaited  the  queen  ;  and  as  she,  in  robes 
of  more  than  earthly  splendor,  took  her  seat  by  his 
side,  a  tempest  of  applause  from  the  spectators  fairly 
shook  the  lofty  building.  I  was  placed  in  a  golden 
chair  upon  a  step  of  the  dais,  and  for  a  moment 
gazed  enchanted  with  the  magnificence  of  the  ar 
chitecture.  The  inner  court  was  surmounted  by  a 
lofty  crystal  dome  thickly  hung  with  glittering 
prisms,  a  thousand  pillars  of  jacinth  intwined  by 
golden  wreaths  upheld  the  immense  •  arch,  and  the 
marble  walls  were  made  airy  by  delicate  and  grace 
ful  perforations  through  which  the  cool  night-breeze 
could  penetrate. 

In  glancing  over  the  gay  throng,  my  eyes  rested 
upon  a  figure  standing  in  an  open  archway,  which 
at  once  startled  me  and  riveted  my  attention.  Tall, 


JAPHET.  95 

graceful,  serious,  in  this  white-robed  figure  my  eyes 
and  heart  recognized  the  youth  of  the  mountain, 
whom  I  doubted  not  was  the  youngest  son  of  the 
Prophet.  O,  could  I  but  have  speech  with  him, 
one  of  my  own  kindred,  a  man  unpolluted  in  the 
midst  of  universal  corruption,  one  I  could  safely 
trust !  But  if  this  were  not  the  young  man  I  had 
seen,  if  Simourga  had  mistaken  his  character,  if  he 
should  have  no  interest  in  my  welfare,  or  should  de 
spise  the  daughter  of  Lucifer's  queen  !  These  doubts 
rent  my  bosom,  and  destroyed  all  interest  in  the 
scene  before  me.  I  was  dimly  conscious,  as  in  a 
confused  dream,  of  wonderful  feats  performed  by 
men  and  wild  beasts,  of  enchantments,  intoxicating 
odors,  dancing,  music,  and  feasting  ;  but  one  thought 
absorbed  me,  Shall  I  speak  with  this  young  stran 
ger  ?  Does  he  regard  me  with  kindness  ? 

The  night  wore  slowly  away  ;  I  remained  motion 
less  upon  the  step  of  the  dais,  and  still  in  the  door 
way  the  white  figure  was  seen. 

But  although  I  had  eyes  for  none  other,  I  was 
not  myself  unobserved.  Gyar,  a  favorite  son  of 
Lucifer,  stood  near,  regarding  me  with  bold  and  in 
solent  admiration,  often  addressing  me  in  language 
of  offensive  flattery.  I  grew  alarmed,  and  was  long- 


96  SEOLA. 

ing  to  change  my  position,  when  Hesperus,  the 
master  of  ceremonies,  accosted  me  in  tones  melan 
choly  rather  than  presumptuous. 

"  Seola,  wouldst  thou  go  forth  from  this  place  ?  " 

I  hesitated  to  reply,  for,  more  than  present  dis 
comfort,  I  feared  his  solitary  escort.  He  seemed 
to  divine  my  thought,  for  a  deeper  shadow  over 
spread  his  grand  features,  as  he  gave  the  order  to  a 
band  of  black  eunuchs  :  — 

"  Attend  the  princess  whithersoever  she  will." 

"  Ho  !  ho  ! "  said  the  Darvand  with  a  leer  ;  "  what 
careth  my  Lord  Hesperus,  the  Passionless  ? " 

The  eyes  of  the  Deva  flashed  fire  :  he  raised  his 
hand  in  menace,  and  bestowed  upon  my  tormentor 
a  look  so  terrible  that  he  shrank  back  in  silence. 

Fearing  the  consequence  of  a  moment's  delay, 
I  directed  the  guard  to  take  me  to  the  open  air,  and 
passed  quickly  through  the  crowd,  whose  rude  gaze 
and  free  remarks  made  the  breath  of  night  doubly 
welcome  as  we  drew  near  an  entrance  to  the  garden. 

Then  was  made  manifest  the  guiding  hand  of  the 
Almighty  ;  for  it  came  to  pass  that,  when  the  black 
men  essayed  to  reach  the  northern  tower,  a  band 
of  dancing-girls  entered  the  court,  and  we  were 
pressed  backward  by  the  throng  to  the  eastern  side, 


JAPHET.  97 

where  still  remained  the  unknown  youth.  He  re 
spectfully  stepped  aside  as  we  passed.  I  seated 
myself  upon  the  balcony,  and  the  cool  breeze  soon 
restored  my  courage. 

The  wonderful  scene  I  then  beheld  is  impressed 
upon  memory,  ineffaceable  in  outline,  color,  and 
shading.  The  moon  hung  low  in  the  deep  blue 
sky  ;  in  the  east  could  be  seen  the  faint  flush  of 
dawn ;  the  palms  and  acacias  rustled  and  whis 
pered  secrets  of  the  night  and  of  coming  day ; 
blending  with  their  mysterious  breath  were  sounds 
of  revelry  in  the  palace,  music  and  the  measured 
tread  of  dancers,  the  harsh  voice  of  giants,  the 
sycophantic  tones  of  men,  light  assured  laughter 
of  beautiful  women,  musical  accents  of  the  high 
born  Immortals,  sighs  of  tired  and  panting  slaves. 
The  glare  from  illuminated  hall  and  dome,  shim 
mering  through  panel  and  archway,  shone  out  upon 
cool  terrace  and  projecting  balcony,  out  upon  obe 
lisk,  statue,  and  fountain ;  it  mingled  strangely 
with  the  perfume  of  the  tropical  night  and  beams 
of  the  setting  moon  which  crossed,  but  did  not 
dispel,  the  black  ominous  shadows  moving  noise 
lessly  through  this  paradise  of  sin.  At  the  farther 
end  of  the  balcony  stood  the  blacks  in  fixed  immo- 


98  SEOLA. 

bility,  and  relieved  against  that  dark  background, 
in  the  full  blaze  of  glory  which  streamed  through 
the  archway,  stood  the  white-robed  stranger  like 
an  angel  of  light.  His  earnest  eyes  met  mine  with 
entreaty  ;  his  hand  was  half  extended. 

A  sudden  sense  of  the  supreme  importance  of 
the  moment,  a  feeling  that  the  golden  opportunity 
of  my  life  was  passing  away,  that  he  would  vanish 
in  the  darkness  and  be  lost  forever,  overpowered 
all  reserve.  Unmindful  of  the  exposed  situation,  of 
prying  eyes  around,  and  of  "the  danger  that  might 
follow,  after  a  moment  of  hesitation  I  bade  him 
approach.  He  came  forward,  and  by  a  manner 
composed  and  respectful  at  once  reassured  me. 

"  Fair  princess,  you  are  Seola,  daughter  of  the 
queen  ;  I  am  Japhet,  son  of  the  Prophet ;  hopelessly 
separated  are  we  by  worldly  distinctions,  and  yet 
the  rapt  purity  of  your  face,  the  simplicity  of  your 
dress,  the  indifference  or  distaste  you  manifest  to 
the  pageantry  within,  give  token  that  by  sympathy 
we  are  not  divided.  Do  you  ask  why  I  am  volun 
tarily  in  scenes  where  you  appear  only  by  compul 
sion  ?  Know,  then,  —  O  beautiful  stranger,  forgive 
my  boldness,  —  that  I  saw  you  in  the  chariot  of  Lu 
cifer  on  the  evening  of  your  entrance  into  Sippara, 


JAPHET.  99 

and  the  hope  of  meeting  you  once  more  led  me  to 
enter  the  palace,  and  join  an  assembly  whose  char 
acter  and  amusement  my  soul  abhors.  I  dared  not 
hope  to  hold  converse  with  you,  and  now  that  I 
have  the  opportunity,  with  thronging  thoughts  and 
desires  I  wait  your  favor." 

Hearing  this,  my  heart  revived,  and  I  answered, — 

"O  son  of  the  Prophet,  permit  me  to  make  known 
my  brief  history.  You  called  my  name  rightly, 
Seola,  and  I  am  daughter  of  the  queen,  but  my 
father  was  Aleemon,  the  Sage  of  Sippara,  son  of 
Lamech  and  brother  of  Noah." 

With  heightened  color  and  joy  in  his  eyes  he 
drew  nearer,  and  said, — 

"  O  princess,  thou  art  my  cousin !  Thou,  the 
daughter  of  Aleemon,  I  see  thee  at  last." 

Then,  taking  my  hand,  he  trembled,  grew  pale, 
and  seemed  unable  to  repress  the  low,  rapid 
words : — 

"  Seola,  your  face  and  voice  are  an  inspiration, 
a  revejation  of  which  I  have  dreamed,  for  which  I 
have  prayed  ;  you  are  the  fulfilment  of  my  heart's 
prophecy,  the  promise  of  Heaven.  Forgive  this 
abruptness,  this  vehemence.  I  am  amazed  ;  I  can 
not  control  myself.  I  have  waited  for  you  so  long  ; 


IOO  SEOLA. 

yet  now  all  my  former  years  seem  like  a  dream,  and 
this  brief  moment,  the  waking  to  life  and  reality." 

Though  much  affected  by  these  words,  I  re 
pressed  emotion,  and  answered  quietly,  — 

"  We  are  indeed  of  near  kin  ;  the  discovery  gives 
me  inexpressible  happiness.  There  is  much  to  be 
spoken,  but  the  night  wanes ;  to  remain  longer  in 
this  place  would  invite  observation  and  danger. 
Even  now  I  perceive  the  glance  of  Hesperus  di 
rected  toward  us.  We  must  part." 

But  Japhet  could  not  refrain.  "Dear  cousin," 
said  he,  "  ask  me  not  to  leave  you,  —  rather  come 
with  me  to  my  father's  house,  where  among  kin 
dred  you  will  find  safety.  You  cannot  realize 
the  dangers  of  this  glittering  palace.  The  thin 
film  of  splendor  scarce  hides  its  sin  and  crime. 
If  you  are  again  immersed  in  the  tide  of  false  glory, 
I  fear  you  will  flit  from  me  forever,  as  your  image 
has  faded  from  my  longing  sight,  in  presentient  but 
unsubstantial  dreams ;  naught  but  a  miracle  can 
save  you  in  this  accursed  place." 

Again  my  mind  was  suddenly  enlightened,  and 
the  purpose  of  the  Most  High  revealed.  The  gift 
of  prophecy  was  bestowed,  for  my  own  salvation  and 
that  of  others;  and  I  answered  confidently, — 


JAPHET.  IOI 

"The  miracle  has  been  performed.  I  am  pos 
sessed  of  a  talisman  more  potent  than  the  wiles 
and  violence  of  Deva  or  Darvand.  We  shall  meet 
again." 

At  this  moment  there  was  a  tumult  in  the  court, 
and  a  herald's  voice  announced  the  retirement  of 
the  queen. 

I  motioned  Japhet  to  leave  me.  He  vaulted 
lightly  over  the  railing  of  the  balcony,  and  in  a 
moment  was  lost  in  the  darkness  below.  I  gave 
the  order  to  the  blacks,  and  they  moved  toward  the 
northern  tower.  As  I  passed  the  son  of  Lucifer, 
his  bold  eyes  saluted  me,  and  he  muttered, — 

"  The  princess  is  fairer  than  the  queen ;  her 
step  outgraces  even  the  dancing  of  Zulah.  Where 
were  my  father's  eyes  when  he  preferred  the 
mother  ?  By  his  immortal  body  I  swear  this  is  a 
morsel  fit  for  a  god.  The  Deva  thwarted  me,  but 
if  he  win  not  the  damsel,  she  is  mine.  Our  lords 
are  delicate  in  their  wooing ;  a  Darvand  doth  not 
hesitate  nor  relent." 

His  brutal  expression  and  villanous  language 
were  terrifying.  I  hastened  the  guard,  and  unmo 
lested  reached  the  chamber. 

Here  have  I   endeavored  to  review  calmly  my 


IO2  SEOLA. 

perilous  situation  and  the  adventures  of  the  even 
ing  which  seem  so  unreal.  I  could  doubt  my  own 
identity,  but  the  sacred  manuscripts  of  my  father 
lie  before  me,  and  in  the  mirrors  which  adorn  this 
magnificent  apartment,  are  reflected  the  familiar 
form  and  dress  of  the  Child  of  the  Hermitage. 
Now  will  I  lie  down  to  rest,  and,  forgetting  these 
new  conditions,  wander  in  dreams  through  the 
cypress-groves,  and  listen  once  more  to  the  voice 
of  Aleemon  blending  with  the  murmur  of  the  river. 
*  *  *  *  * 

When  this  journal  was  laid  aside  for  the  night 
my  adventures  were  not  over.  With  a  sense  of 
danger  averted,  and  a  vague  foreboding  of  peril 
to  come,  I  sought  my  couch.  The  lights  in  the 
chamber  were  extinguished,  there  was  no  moon  in 
the  sky,  and  pale  starlight  coming  through  the 
window  made  every  object  shadowy  and  undefined. 
A  creeping  chill  came  over  me  as  a  fresh  breeze 
swept  suddenly  through  the  chamber.  Was  I 
dreaming  ? 

I  opened  wide  my  eyes  and  perceived  with  terror 
that  a  large  panel  in  the  opposite  wall  moved  in 
ward,  and  the  shaggy  head  of  the  abhorred  Gyar 
peered  from  behind  it.  In  an  instant  he  seized 


DANGER.  IO3 

me  with  giant  grip,  enveloped  my  head  in  the  bed- 
covering  and  darted  through  the  open  wall,  down 
an  unfamiliar  corridor,  toward  a  staircase  which  I 
knew  must  lead  to  the  vaults  below.  Whirled  rap 
idly  along,  helpless  in  an  iron  clutch,  I  struggled 
in  vain  to  make  audible  my  smothered  screams. 
For  deeds  of  violence  and  cries  of  despair  pro 
duced  no  impression  upon  dull  sleepers  well  accus 
tomed  to  such  sounds  ;  no  curious  eye  looked  forth 
from  the  silent  dormitories,  no  vigilant  watchman 
raised  his  hand  to  interfere,  as  the  Darvand  fled 
swiftly  down  the  darkened  hall  to  the  steep  and 
fatal  descent. 

But  just  as  I  felt  myself  lowered,  an  astral  light 
filled  the  air,  the  arms  of  Gyar  were  wrenched 
asunder,  and  alone  he  was  plunged  headlong  into 
the  darksome  pit,  while  the  wrathful  voice  of  Hes 
perus  rung  through  the  stillness  of  the  night:  — 

"  Lustful  monster,  insatiate  ravisher,  wouldst 
thou  pluck  fruit  of  the  celestial  Persea  ?  Wouldst 
thou  dissolve  this  pearl  of  Paradise  in  the  cup  of 
thy  sin  ? " 

Again  I  was  carried  rapidly  through  the  long 
corridor  back  to  my  own  apartment  and  placed 
upon  the  bed.  Swift  and  sudden  as  his  coming 


IO4  SEOLA. 

was  the  departure  of  the  Deva.  There  was  a  pro 
found  sigh,  the  displaced  panel  moved  into  its 
former  position,  a  sound  of  closing  bolts  and  bars 
followed,  then  silence,  solitude,  and  shade. 

I  now  felt  that  safety  was  assured,  and  with  su 
preme  gratitude  for  the  marvellous  deliverance, 
thoroughly  exhausted  I  sank  into  slumber. 


THE  SORCERESS  AND  THE  PROPHET.    10$ 


THE  SORCERESS  AND  THE  PROPHET. 

I  SLEPT  soundly  till  midday,  and  was  then  roused 
by  a  voice  at  the  chamber  door  which  I  recog 
nized  as  that  of  Simourga.  She  called  my  name, 
and  when  I  admitted  her  offered  to  assist  at  my 
toilet.  The  extreme  simplicity  of  my  dress  ren 
dered  aid  unnecessary,  and  after  some  hesitation 
she  spoke  again  : — • 

"  Seola,  I  believed  that  all  fear  of  God  and  sym 
pathy  for  my  own  kind  were  dead  in  this  withered 
heart ;  but  your  innocence  and  purity,  sweet  child 
of  the  wilderness,  have  brought  back  vividly  the 
memory  of  early  days,  when  like  you  I  was  uncon- 
taminated  by  the  wickedness  of  the  world,  when 
in  faith  I  knelt  with  my  princely  father  to  offer 
the  daily  sacrifice,  when  we  mingled  our  tears  and 
lamentations  at  the  tomb  of  the  brother  beloved 
and  early  lost,  when  with  pleasure  I  pondered  upon 
the  wisdom  and  piety  of  the  ancients  and  dreamed 
I  might  one  day  emulate  their  noble  deeds.  Why 
was  I  brought  to  this  evil  place,  where  in  the  pur- 


106  SEOLA. 

suit  of  power  and  pleasure  I  have  forgotten  myself 
and  God  ?  Seola,  I  love  you  because  you  are  what 
I  once  was,  and  I  abhor  myself  for  what  I  have 
now  become :  you  may  perchance  escape  downfall 
and  perdition,  but  how  can  I  be  restored  ?  For 
the  Sorceress  of  Sippara  there  is  no  atonement, 
only  the  dreadful  end. 

"  But  what  folly  has  seized  me  that  I  bemoan  my 
fate  in  this  insane  manner  ?  Let  us  drink  and  be 
gay  ;  man  dies  and  Pleasure  flies  ;  we  must  keep 
pace  while  she  wings  her  Way  over  banquet-halls 
and  perfumed  couches." 

With  that,  she  took  from  her  bosom  a  small 
amphora  of  transparent  jade,  and  pouring  out  a 
few  crystals,  round  and  red  like  drops  of  blood, 
threw  them  into  the  lustral,  where,  according  to  the 
custom  of  the  palace,  fragrant  oils  were  kept  burn 
ing  to  perfume  and  purify  the  air.  As  the  tiny 
balls  touched  the  flame,  they  burst  with  a  ringing 
sound,  and  the  apartment  was  filled  by  a  dense 
mist  of  pungent,  intoxicating  fumes,  in  which  every 
object  was  intensified,  and  the  sorceress  herself 
appeared  the  incarnation  of  youth  and  beauty. 
The  vapors  were  slowly  resolved  into  the  sem 
blance  of  moving  figures,  surrounded  by  all  sen- 


THE  SORCERESS  AND  THE  PROPHET.   IO/ 

suous  delights,  while  strains  of  voluptuous  music 
enchanted  the  ear.  In  the  midst  of  this  bewil 
dering  scene  I  perceived  a  well-remembered  Deva 
kneeling  before  my  own  glorified  image.  My  brain 
was  dazed,  but,  conscious  there  was  danger  in  such 
delight,  I  exerted  to  the  utmost  my  fast  failing 
will,  and  fled  from  the  atmosphere  of  enchantment 
to  the  balcony,  where,  in  the  fresh  air  and  sunlight, 
I  soon  regained  full  possession  of  reason. 

In  a  few  moments  the  unnatural  scene  had  van 
ished,  and  Simourga  came  to  me  in  great  agitation, 
saying,  — 

"  For  the  first  time  Maya  fails,  but  Homa  re 
mains  ;  drink,  fair  girl ;  let  us  quaff  the  cup  of 
Homa,  —  nectar  of  the  Immortals,  longed  for  by 
men  ;  antidote  of  sorrow,  balm  of  memory,  dissipator 
of  fear,  —  give  me  a  draught  that  I  may  steep  my 
brain  in  forgetfulness.  Where  is  the  Homa,  girl  ?  " 

Her  excitement  was  painful  as  she  returned  and 
searched  the  apartment  wildly  :  long  habit  had 
again  overmastered  an  awakening  conscience. 

With  profound  pity  I  took  her  hand  and  said,  — 

"  Simourga,  that  for  which  you  search  is  not 
here  ;  the  Homa  and  your  enchantments  are  alike 
dangerous  ;  they  do  not  heal,  they  poison  the  soul ; 


IO8  SEOLA. 

but  I  have  a  cordial  for  a  mind  diseased  :  listen, 
and  I  will  tell  you  of  this  medicament.  Simourga, 
the  Devas  are  cruel,  unrelenting,  full  of  hate.  The 
Almighty  is  compassionate  and  forgiving ;  the  re 
storative  to  virtue  and  happiness  is  belief  in  his 
mercy." 

"  But  I  cannot  hope,  and  for  me  there  is  no 
mercy  ;  you  know  not,  simple  one,  the  extent  of 
my  wickedness.  I  must  drink  the  Homa;  it  stupe 
fies  the  brain,  and  yet,  when  its  power  is  over, 
I  wake  to  greater  horror.  -Whither  can  I  turn? 
Only  to  death,  and  — " 

After  a  moment  of  silence  she  exclaimed,  — 

"  What  day  is  this  ?  The  day  when  the  Prophet 
warns  the  scoffing  crowd,  —  almost  the  very  hour,  — 
hasten  !  hasten  !  He  is  wise,  he  is  pure  ;  no  drop 
of  Homa  has  passed  his  lips,  confusing  reason 
and  weakening  will ;  he  can  instruct  us.  We  will 
go  to  the  mountain-side  ;  the  chariot  awaits  my 
call,  the  name  of  Aurenion  upon  its  front  is  a  pass 
port,  though  all  men  in  the  kingdom  of  Lucifer 
know  and  fear  Simourga  the  Sorceress.  Yea,  to 
the  Prophet  will  I  go,  though  my  power  be  thus 
broken  and  my  life  the  forfeit ! " 

Anxious  to  enlighten  Simourga,  and  also  to  look 


THE  SORCERESS  AND  THE  PROPHET. 

once  more  upon  the  face  of  Aleemon's  brother,  I 
gladly  acceded  to  this  proposal,  and  we  were  soon 
on  our  way  through  the  city  to  the  mountain.  I 
was  delighted  with  the  changing  scenes  of  the  busy 
marts,  so  new  and  unfamiliar,  the  buildings  of 
various  forms  and  uses,  the  long  rows  of  colossal 
images  which  bordered  the  highways,  as  we  en 
tered  the  royal  avenue  where  dwell  the  giant  sons 
of  Lucifer.  The  road  was  broad,  so  that  fifty  char 
iots  could  pass  at  once  ;  upon  its  borders  were  gar 
dens  of  exceeding  beauty,  ornamented  with  flowers 
and  fountains.  Stately  peacocks  paced  the  white 
walks,  birds  of  gorgeous  plumage  flitted  through 
the  shrubbery,  and  golden  fishes  darted  across  the- 
crystal  basins. 

Beyond  these  gardens  stood  palaces  sculptured 
and  painted  with  various  devices,  and  made  gay  by 
silken  banners  which  contrasted  with  the  foliage 
of  tall  trees. 

Before  every  mansion  stood  a  slender  obelisk,  in- 
twined  with  living  vines  now  full  of  scarlet  blossoms. 
Upon  the  green  turf  were  little  people  disporting 
in  capricious  joy,  whose  graceful  figures,  quick 
motions,  and  innocent  faces  were  an  unexpected 
delight.  They  were  the  first  I  had  ever  seen,  and 
in  a  transport  of  admiration  I  exclaimed, — 


IIO  SEOLA. 

"  O  the  children,  the  beautiful  children  ! " 

Simourga  looked  upon  me  with  surprise. 

"  You  were  brought  up  in  a  desert,  in  utter  igno 
rance  of  the  world  ;  you  have  never  seen  children, 
and  yet  you  recognize  them  in  an  instant,  and  give 
them  the  appropriate  name.  And  so  it  is  in  all 
things  ;  without  mistake,  you  accord  to  new  and 
unfamiliar  objects  their  proper  designation.  Your 
power  of  speech  is  marvellous  ;  whence  comes  it  ? " 

I  answered,  smiling,  but  somewhat  puzzled,  — 

ft  Is  it  not  so  with  every  person  ?  It  was  cer 
tainly  thus  with  Adam,  our  primogenitor  ;  the  word 
must  have  occurred  to  him,  as  to  me,  with  the  occa 
sion  for  its  use.  Indeed,  I  am  myself  often  sur 
prised  by  this  power :  I  do  not  remember  that  I 
possessed  it  before  Aleemon's  death.  Perhaps  it 
is  the  special  gift  of  God." 

As  I  mused  upon  these  things,  the  chariot 
crossed  a  bridge  that  spans  the  river  at  this  point, 
and,  looking  intently  into  the  stream,  I  questioned 
my  companion:  — 

"  Simourga,  dost  thou  perceive  shells  in  the  deep 
water,  and  strange  creatures  creeping  among  them  ?" 

"  I  see  nothing  but  sand,"  she  replied. 

Gazing  into  the  sky,  again  I  asked,  "  Canst  thou 


THE  SORCERESS  AND  THE  PROPHET.   Ill 

see  the  stars  shining  dimly  in  the  bright  glare  of 
day?" 

And  she  answered,  "  I  see  but  sunlight  and  the 
floating  clouds." 

Once  more  I  anxiously  demanded,  "Does  the 
wind  bring  to  thy  hearing  sounds  and  words  unlike 
those  we  utter  ? " 

Simourga  looked  up  in  alarm.  "This  is  insanity; 
thou  art  ill,  Seola." 

I  replied,  "  Nay,  dear  Simourga,  I  am  in  perfect 
health  ;  but  I  would  learn  from  thee  that  concern 
ing  the  experience  of  others  which  I  dare  not  ask 
of  my  mother  or  Elbeth  lest  they  should  think  me 
childish  and  vain,  for  sometimes  I  do  perceive  the 
things  of  which  I  have  spoken." 

Just  then  we  reached  the  heart  of  Sippara,  and 
here,  on  either  side,  were  rows  of  colossal  stat 
ues,  the  most  fearful  and  imposing  in  this  city  of 
wonders.  Effigies  of  monster  serpents  coiled  upon 
the  earth  with  long  outstretched  necks,  from  which 
pointed  forward  great  pinions  meeting  in  mid-air. 
The  effect  of  these  hideous  forms  was  frightful.  I 
shivered  as  we  passed  into  their  shadow.  I  would 
have  questioned  Simourga  of  the  wonders  around 
us,  but  she  placed  her  hands  over  my  eyes,  and  bade 
the  charioteer  drive  more  swiftly. 


112  SEOLA. 

As  we  emerged  into  the  country,  many  people 
were  seen  going  toward  the  mountain.  We  fol 
lowed,  and  were  soon  in  presence  of  the  famous 
Prophet,  and,  alighting  from  our  car,  drew  near  to 
listen.  Standing  with  his  three  sons  upon  a  low 
terrace,  he  addressed  the  dense  crowd ;  his  face 
was  solemn  even  to  sadness,  and  the  words  that 
met  our  ears  were  these  :  — 

"  Lo  !  for  a  hundred  years  have  I  lifted  up  my 
voice  in  warning  and  entreaty  ;  my  soul  has  been 
daily  vexed  with  your  abominable  deeds  ;  you  have 
wallowed  in  gluttony  and  drunkenness,  in  lust  and 
lechery  ;  you  have  said  to  Avarice,  '  Thou  art  our 
father,'  and  to  Sensuality,  '  Thou  art  our  mother.' 
Reckless  and  besotted,  you  have  embraced  De 
struction. 

"  O  abject  slaves  of  a  merciless  despot,  your 
manhood  is  lost,  your  lives  are  forfeited,  your  souls 
are  doomed  !  With  strong  groaning  and  tears,  with 
fasting  and  sacrifice,  have  I  sought  the  Almighty 
on  your  behalf.  Repent !  Repent,  before  the 
thunders  of  Heaven  shall  burst  upon  your  guilty 
heads  ! " 

Then  throwing  up  his  arms  wildly,  he  ex 
claimed, — 


THE  SORCERESS  AND  THE  PROPHET.   113 

"  O  God,  it  is  vain,  all  in  vain  !  The  day  of 
wrath  is  at  hand  ! 

"  The  night-winds  whisper  a  dreadful  secret ;  in 
far-off  regions  I  hear  mutterings  of  the  approach 
ing  storm ;  the  ominous  roar  of  ocean  is  borne 
upon  the  blast ;  it  gapes  to  devour  its  prey.  The 
seals  of  Death  and  Hell  are  broken,  and  Vengeance 
rushes  forth  on  the  wings  of  Destruction.  Too 
late  !  too  late !  you  will  hear  my  voice  no  more;  the 
Prophet's  work  is  ended  !  " 

He  ceased,  and  there  was  a  great  commotion  in 
the  crowd  ;  but  I  gave  no  heed  to  it,  for  Simourga, 
shaken  like  a  reed  in  the  wind,  cried  out,  — 

"  O  Prophet  of  God,  I  repent !  Is  there  no  mercy 
for  me  ? " 

He  heard  her,  and  was  about  to  approach,  when 
a  malignant  demon  who  hovered  behind  a  black 
cloud  swooped  from  the  sky,  and  aimed  a  dart  at 
the  unconscious  Prophet ;  but  an  archangel,  till 
that  moment  unperceived,  rose  in  his  might,  and, 
crying  out,  "  Thine  adversary  is  near,  O  Apollyon  ! " 
struck  the  other  with  great  fury  ;  and  a  battle  began, 
so  fearful  that  I  swooned  and  saw  not  the  end. 

Presently  I  recovered,  and  found  myself  sup 
ported  in  the  arms  of  my  cousin,  who,  attracted  by 
the  cries  of  Simourga,  had  discovered  me  as  I  fell. 


114  SEOLA. 

"  Thou  art  cold  and  pale,  beloved,"  said  Japhet,  in 
alarm  ;  "  thy  form  is  rigid  and  thy  gaze  fixed ; 
thou  wilt  not  so  soon  leave  me  ?  This  cannot  be 
thy  death  ! " 

Then,  suddenly  inspired,  I  answered,  — 

"  Not  in  thy  arms  shall  I  yield  up  my  parting 
breath  ;  in  the  last  hour  of  life  I  shall  repose  upon 
the  breast  of  one  fairer  even  than  thou,  but  so  much 
resembling  thee,  O  Japhet ! " 

"  Seola,"  said  he,  with  awe,  "  hast  thou,  like  my 
father,  prophetic  power  ? " 

And  I  replied  solemnly,  "  God  knoweth." 

I  turned  toward  Simourga,  and  found  her  en 
gaged  in  discourse  with  the  Prophet,  who,  uncon 
scious  of  the  attack  upon  his  life  (for  his  super 
natural  perception  extends  not  to  vision),  was 
absorbed  in  giving  her  instruction  and  comfort. 
He  did  not  notice  my  presence,  nor  that  his  son 
was  with  me.  I  therefore  stepped  quietly  into  the 
chariot,  Simourga  followed,  and  we  turned  toward 
the  palace. 

It  was  late  before  we  recrossed  the  city,  but  ar 
tificial  lights  made  the  warm  night  like  day.  The 
streets  swarmed  with  a  mixed  multitude,  men  and 
Darvands  with  their  beautiful  wives  and  children, 


THE  SORCERESS  AND  THE  PROPHET.    11$ 

all  abroad  to  catch  the  breeze,  which  at  this  hour 
sweeps  down  the  valley. 

As  we  drove  along,  impious  language  shocked 
our  ears,  revealing  discontent,  jealousy,  and  hatred. 
Simourga  appeared  ill  at  ease  and  thoughtful ;  to 
divert  her  mind  and  inform  myself,  I  inquired,  — 

"  Why  do  these  people  continue  in  bondage  so 
galling?  Why  not  resist,  though  in  the  attempt 
they  perish  ? " 

"What  can  be  done  ?"  she  replied.  "  Countless 
plots  have  been  formed,  conspiracies  to  destroy  the 
life  of  Lucifer,  by  fire  and  flood,  by  steel  and 
poison  :  his  body  is  deathless,  his  heaven-forged 
weapons  irresistible.  The  other  Devas  remember 
who  gave  them  carnal  joys  in  immortal  bodies ;  and 
he  who  gives,  can  also  withhold.  The  power  and 
grandeur  of  the  Darvands,  nay,  their  very  existence 
depends  upon  the  will  of  the  Devas  ;  therefore  they 
yield  outward  obedience,  while  within  smoulder  fires 
of  hatred  and  rebellion. 

"  Aurenion  alone  is  humane ;  he  respects  the 
memory  of  his  mother  (a  dark-browed  beauty  from 
Blackland,  dead,  and  supplanted  by  other  women 
many  long  years  ago),  he  abhors  Zamiel  for  his 
injustice  and  cruelty  to  Hinduhua,  but  what  avails 
the  hate  of  despair  ?  " 


Il6  SEOLA. 

By  this  time  we  had  reached  the  palace.  Si- 
mourga  embraced  me  affectionately  at  parting,  and 
when  I  said,  according  to  custom,  "  God  be  with 
you,"  to  my  surprise  she  added  devoutly, — 

"  May  it  be  so  to  the  end." 

As  I  entered  my  apartment,  the  voice  of  Lebuda 
summoned  me  to  her  chamber ;  she  was  surrounded 
by  admiring  slaves  and  tire-women,  who  were  dis 
playing,  for  her  inspection  and  choice,  elegant  cos 
tumes  designed  for  the  coronation.  She  asked 
my  approval  of  a  robe  so  glittering  and  transpar 
ent  that  it  might  have  been  formed  of  woven  sun 
beams,  and  a  veil  of  similar  texture,  embroidered 
with  minute  gems  that  reflected  the  lamplight  like 
rain  in  sun-struck  trees.  Totally  unconscious  of 
danger,  she  is  absorbed  in  the  ceremonials  and 
magnificent  preparations  of  which  she  is  the  brill 
iant  centre.  Lucifer  is  rarely  in  the  queen's  apart 
ments,  being,  it  is  remarked  with  some  surprise, 
unusually  occupied  in  affairs  of  state. 

While  the  preparatory  baths,  oils,  and  cosmet 
ics  have  greatly  heightened  Lebuda's  beauty,  they 
seem  to  have  stupefied  her  reason  and  conscience. 

Ah,  my  deluded  mother,  how  gladly  would  I 
again  warn  her  of  the  perils  by  which  we  are  envi- 


THE  SORCERESS  AND  THE  PROPHET.   II/ 

roned !     But  there  is  no  opportunity  ;  jealous  eyes, 
quick  ears,  and  ready  tongues  are  ever  near. 

To  this  inanimate  scroll  will  I  commit  my  story 
and  intrust  my  fear,  hoping  that  some  gleam  of 
maternal  affection  may  lead  her  to  peruse  this  page 
and  admit  once  more  to  her  confidence  the  child 
who  would  cheerfully  lay  down  her  life  to  save  her. 


Il8  SEOLA. 


THIRD  DAY  AT  SIPPARA. 

I  ROSE  at  dawn  of  day,  and,  calling  Elbeth  to 
accompany  me,  went  forth  to  breathe  the  fresh  air 
of  morn.  This  I  knew  would  be  my  last  oppor 
tunity  to  walk  the  streets  in  safety,  for  at  noon  the 
subordinate  princes  with  their  retinues  were  ex 
pected  in  Sippara,  whither  they  had  been  sum 
moned  to  pay  the  annual  tribute  and  take  part  in 
the  ceremony  of  the  coronation.  During  their  stay 
the  city  will  be  filled  with  Darvands,  who  are 
without  the  spirituality  and  self-repression  of  their 
sires:  the  earth  is  filled  with  violence  through 
them. 

At  that  early  hour  the  long  corridors  of  the 
palace  were  silent ;  the  court  was  empty,  and  gave 
back  a  hollow  echo  to  our  footsteps  as  we  passed 
out  through  the  eastern  gate.  The  city  of  Sin 
was  asleep ;  the  intriguing  brain,  the  heart  throb 
bing  with  anguish  or  anger,  the  hand  of  stealth, 
the  feet  swift  to  pursue  evil,  must  sometimes  rest, 
and  this  was  the  hour  of  tranquillity  in  Sippara. 
Nature  was  also  in  repose ;  too  calm  and  silent 


THIRD    DAY    AT    SIPPARA. 

seemed  the  morning's  dawn,  the  unclouded  sky  too 
still  and  bland ;  no  zephyr  lifted  the  drooping  leaves, 
no  chirp  of  bird  or  insect  disturbed  the  brooding 
silence  ;  only  in  the  far  distance  the  howl  of  a  soli 
tary  dog  was  heard. 

A  gray  haze  hung  motionless  over  the  sleeping 
city,  an  ominous  hush  pervaded  the  valley.  I 
paused  to  listen.  I  sat  upon  the  earth  and  leaned 
my  head  upon  a  projecting  rock.  Did  I  feel  a 
tremor  coming  from  the  bowels  of  earth,  the  par 
turient  throes  of  an  unborn  earthquake  ?  I  looked 
up  into  the  deeps  of  the  soft  blue  sky ;  could  I 
not  discern  in  the  far-off  mist  a  rush,  an  electric 
whirl,  the  smothered  tumult  of  generating  ele 
ments,  the  struggles  of  a  chained  tempest  ?  I 
spoke,  —  Elbeth  wondered  at  my  strange  words ; 
I  myself  wondered. 

I  rose  and  hastened  on  until  a  short  turn  in  the 
pathway  brought  me  directly  in  front  of  the  build 
ing  called  Tebah.  Here  was  animation  j  the  smoke 
of  early  sacrifice  slowly  floated  heavenward,  and  the 
Prophet  with  his  family  bowed  before  the  altar. 

Greatly  affected  by  this  reminder  of  my  former 
life,  I  stepped  forward  and  knelt  with  the  worship 
pers.  The  quick  eye  of  Japhet  detected  the  pres- 


I2O  SEOLA. 

ence  of  strangers,  and  when  the  group  arose,  he 
came  forward  with  words  of  welcome,  and,  taking 
my  hand  respectfully,  led  me  to  his  father. 

"This,"  said  he,  "is  the  maiden  of  whom  I 
spake,  the  child  of  Aleemon,  who  has  this  morning 
worshipped  with  us  the  God  of  her  father." 

The  Prophet  gazed  upon  me  earnestly,  and  tears 
came  to  his  eyes  as  he  embraced  me,  saying,  — 

"  Thou  hast  Lebuda's  face  and  form,  but  Alee- 
mon's  steadfast  soul  looks'  forth  from  thine  eyes. 
Thrice  welcome,  my  daughter." 

The  other  members  of  the  family  received  me 
kindly,  and  when  I  entered  the  dwelling  entreated 
me  to  take  the  highest  seat.  After  a  brief  hour, 
in  which  our  hearts  were  comforted  by  words  of 
counsel  and  affection,  I  arose  to  take  leave,  but 
the  Prophet  detained  me,  saying, — 

"  Wilt  thou  not  remain  with  us,  daughter  of  my 
beloved  brother  ?  There  is  one  vacant  room  in  the 
Tebah  ;  surely  it  was  reserved  for  thee." 

As  I  endeavored  to  frame  a  reply,  Japhet  came 
quickly  to  my  side,  and  added  his  eloquent  en 
treaties  to  those  of  his  father ;  his  eyes  beamed 
with  anxious  love,  his  glowing  face  reflected  the 
blush  which  suffused  my  cheeks. 


THIRD    DAY    AT    SIPPARA.  121 

"  The  vacant  room,  dear  cousin,  adjoins  my  own  ; 
let  it  be  thine.  My  brothers  have  chosen  compan 
ions,  but  I  am  still  alone ;  without  thy  sweet  pres 
ence  so  shall  I  ever  remain,  for  none  but  Seola  can 
become  the  bride  of  Japhet." 

Taking  courage,  I  replied :  "  By  the  ties  of  kin 
dred  and  affection,  by  the  bonds  of  religion  and 
sympathy,  by  the  presence  of  impending  danger,  I 
am  thine,  but  for  the  moment  our  paths  diverge. 
I  must  return  to  my  mother.  I  shall  come  to  thee 
again,  for  God  wills  it  shall  be  so." 

Japhet  would  have  accompanied  me.  "  The  way 
is  full  of  peril,"  he  said. 

But  I  declined,  answering,  "  Fear  not,  my  guard 
is  strong." 

Then  bidding  my  friends  farewell,  I  hastened 
along  the  streets,  which  now  showed  signs  of  awak 
ening  life,  and  soon  reached  the  palace. 

As  I  entered  the  chamber,  to  my  surprise  I 
found  a  Darvand  awaiting  my  return,  in  whose 
grave  countenance  and  swart  complexion  I  recog 
nized  Aurenion.  His  features  were  overcast  with 
melancholy,  and  heavy  sighs  shook  his  giant  frame. 

He  presented  me  a  linen  scroll  sent  by  Simourga, 
which  I  opened,  and  in  astonishment  read  as 
follows :  — 


122  SEOLA. 

"  Peace  be  with  thee,  Seola,  child  of  Heaven ;  thy 
coming  was  the  dawn  of  light  to  a  soul  long  over 
shadowed  with  that  gloom  which  is  the  penalty  of 
sin.  The  dew  of  thy  youth  fell  upon  my  parched 
and  blackened  heart ;  the  sunlight  of  thine  inno 
cent  smile  warmed  to  life  the  withered  blossoms 
of  love  and  pity ;  but,  far  better  than  all,  thy  sim 
ple  piety  awoke  the  faith  of  my  childhood.  With 
horror  I  reviewed  my  life,  and  longed  to  renew 
the  broken  bond. 

"  Simourga,  inmate  of  the  Palace  of  Light,  sought 
the  Prophet  of  God,  received  his  exhortation,  and 
accepted  his  faith !  I  knew  well  the  penalty, — 
death,  swift  and  dreadful ;  the  fatal  summons  was 
not  delayed.  This  moment  Gyar  and  his  band 
stand  at  my  chamber  door  ;  the  subterranean  cave 
receives  me ;  thou  wilt  see  me  no  more. 

"  I  send  by  Aurenion,  in  token  of  my  grateful 
love,  a  casket  I  have  long  preserved,  the  only  remi 
niscence  of  my  former  life,  a  present  from  my 
royal  father.  Keep  it,  dear  Seola,  and  sometimes 
think  of  Simourga,  but  never  with  grief;  the  sen 
tence  of  death  passed  upon  each  human  being  at 
birth  must  now  be  executed,  but  my  redeemed  soul 
will  ascend  to  God.  I  have  hope  in  his  mercy." 


THIRD    DAY    AT    SIPPARA.  123 

Tears  blinded  my  eyes  as  I  received  from  the 
hands  of  Aurenion  a  casket  containing  various  uten 
sils  necessary  for  woman's  handiwork. 

"  Alas !  alas ! "  said  he,  "  I  could  not  save  Si- 
mourga ;  to-day  I  leave  this  accursed  place  and 
return  to  the  kingdom  of  Zamiel.  Hesperus  is 
next  to  Lucifer  in  power  ;  he  can  protect,  Seola." 

"  O  Aurenion,"  I  entreated,  "  can  you  not  believe 
in  the  God  of  Simourga  ? " 

He  gloomily  answered,  "  No,"  and  departed. 

I  was  now  distracted  by  grief  and  self-accusation, 
for  there  came  to  mind  the  visit  in  the  eastern 
tower,  when  I  saw  the  wretched  victims  driven 
by  Ogmyrs  to  the  death-sacrifice,  and  held  that 
discourse  with  Simourga  which  led  to  her  disobe 
dience  of  the  laws  of  the  palace. 

Was  not  I  in  some  measure  the  cause  of  her 
offence?  She  must  be  rescued,  —  but  in  what  man 
ner  could  I  give  her  aid  ? 

Aurenion  is  helpless,  Lucifer  unrelenting  ;  to  ap 
pear  in  his  presence  would  increase  his  displeasure. 

Hesperus  is  powerful,  but  from  him  I  could  ask 
no  favor.  Must  Simourga  be  abandoned  to  her 
fate?  The  idea  was  intolerable. 

Afterward  I   became  more  calm,   and  reflected 


124  SEOLA. 

that  in  the  confusion  produced  by  the  entrance  of 
the  princes  with  their  trains  the  attention  of  every 
one,  even  the  cruel  Ogmyrs,  would  be  absorbed, 
and  the  sacrifice  forgotten.  Then  could  Aurenion, 
who  was  familiar  with  every  passage  through  the 
subterranean  vaults,  make  his  way  to  Simourga, 
and  undiscovered  carry  her  to  a  place  of  safety. 
But  where  was  Aurenion  ?  He  had  left  me  in  de 
spair,  determined  to  fly  from  Sippara ;  there  must 
be  no  moment  of  delay. 

I  rushed  into  the  halls,  and  to  my  agitated  in 
quiries  received  answer  that  he  had  gone  to  the 
eastern  tower ;  thither  I  followed,  but  the  apart 
ments  of  Simourga  were  tenantless.  I  ran  through 
the  galleries  into  the  court,  and  when  near  the 
gate,  a  man  informed  me  that  he  had  met  Aurenion 
on  his  way  to  the  Tower  of  Lucifer,  where  Lord 
Hesperus,  his  master,  transacted  the  business  of 
state. 

All  who  could  move  had  flocked  to  the  city  to 
witness  the  entrance  of  the  royal  trains,  and  un 
observed  I  flew  along  the  deserted  street,  climbed 
the  rock,  and  almost  breathless  reached  the  great 
tower.  The  gate  was  ajar.  I  entered,  and  quickly 
ascended  the  long  stairway  leading  to  the  cham- 


THIRD    DAY    AT    SIPPARA.  125 

bers.  Here  I  found  a  door,  and,  opening  it  cau 
tiously,  for  a  moment  forgot  my  errand  through 
astonishment  and  wonder.  I  stood  beneath  a  vast 
representation  of  the  heavens  ;  the  dome  was  of 
azure  deep  as  midnight,  and  upon  it  were  sus 
pended  gold  and  silver  orbs,  like  the  sun,  moon, 
and  stars.  The  walls  were  hung  with  gorgeous 
drapery,  against  which  were  placed  weapons  of  war 
and  instruments  of  unknown  service. 

At  the  farther  extremity  of  this  vaulted  chamber 
was  a  throne,  and  ranged  upon  the  sides  were 
raised  floors  after  the  manner  of  halls  of  council. 
Doors  also  opened  without,  and  scarce  had  I  time  to 
make  a  hasty  survey,  when  voices  issuing  from  an 
other  chamber  recalled  my  wandering  sense  and 
filled  me  with  alarm.  I  could  not  be  mistaken  ; 
Hesperus  and  Aurenion  were  in  the  next  apart 
ment  engaged  in  earnest  conversation.  Frightened 
at  the  temerity  which  had  led  me  to  such  a  place, 
and  full  of  apprehension  as  to  the  consequence  if 
I  were  discovered,  I  shrank  behind  a  large  pillar, 
and  was  entirely  screened  from  sight.  Presently  a 
door  opened  and  the  speakers  came  forth. 

"  The  Preacher  is  guarded  by  the  Almighty, 
him  we  may  not  molest,"  said  Hesperus  gravely ; 


126  SEOLA. 

"  but  vengeance  must  overtake  the  daring  one  who 
leaves  the  Palace  of  Light  to  listen  to  his  fables. 
The  offence  of  Simourga  is  unpardonable." 

"But,  my  lord,"  said  Aurenion  (I  trembled  at 
his  words),  "  Simourga  went  not  forth  alone  ;  the 
princess  Seola  was  her  companion.  Together  they 
drove  through  the  streets  of  the  city,  and,  coming 
out  on  the  farther  side,  impelled  by  curiosity,  or 
perhaps  the  desire  of  the  young  girl,  they  stopped 
to  listen.  O  my  lord,  you  know  not  the  passion  of 
love,  and  fail  to  appreciate  my  distress." 

"  The  daughter  of  the  queen  accompanied  Si 
mourga  ?  "  said  Hesperus  with  heightened  interest 

Then,  musing,  he  continued :  "  Perchance  love  in 
my  heart  has  awakened  pity.  O  Aurenion,  I  am 
not  insensible  to  thy  distress.  Take  this  key  to  the 
outer  entrance  of  the  vaults  ;  go  while  the  guards 
are  gazing  at  the  procession,  liberate  Simourga, 
and  fly  with  all  speed.  Hearken  !  —  the  trumpets 
of  heralds  ;  the  Devas  approach  the  town  ;  Lucifer 
holds  to-day  a  grand  consultation ;  marriage  pag 
eants  are  of  little  moment  in  presence  of  the  danger 
which  now  threatens." 

The  object  of  my  coming  was  accomplished,  but 
when  I  would  have  fled,  a  misty  wall  uprose  on 


THIRD    DAY    AT    SIPPARA.  I2/ 

every  side,  and  in  its  shade  my  form  grew  dark  and 
vanished  from  sight.  By  this  token  I  knew  that  I 
had  become  invisible,  and,  repeating  mentally  the 
words,  "  Over  the  resolute  righteous  soul  the  Devas 
have  no  power,"  I  leaned  against  the  pillar  and  re 
mained  motionless. 


128  SEOLA. 


COUNCIL   OF   THE   DEVAS. 

THE  descending  footsteps  of  Aurenion  had  scarce 
died  away,  when  the  tramp  of  armed  Darvands, 
the  bright  electric  flash,  and  the  musical  voices  of  the 
Devas  announced  the  presence  of  Lucifer  and  his 
peers.  They  came,  a  band  -  of  celestial  forms,  clad 
in  angelic  livery,  princely  and  resplendent,  with 
words  and  voices  of  heavenly  sweetness  ;  their  eyes 
flashed  immortal  fire  ;  their  airy  footsteps  gave  no 
echo.  Upon  each  royal  brow  blazed  its  own  pecul 
iar  star,  set  with  the  color  of  its  nativity,  but  in  the 
features  could  be  seen  lines  traced  by  ages  of  unre 
strained  passion  and  despotic  power.  Princes  of 
the  East  and  of  the  West,  of  the  North  and  of  the 
South,  warders  of  the  Upper  Spheres,  King  of  the 
Centre,  Guardian  of  the  Outer  Circle,  and  others  of 
unknown  name. 

But  where  is  the  Monarch  of  Waters  ? 

Where  the  Prince  of  the  Power  of  Air  ? 

No  answer  ;  but  from  afar  a  sound  like  the  boom 
ing  of  the  sea  in  a  rising  storm. 


COUNCIL     OF    THE    DEVAS.  I2Q 

The  warrior  sons  retired,  and  the  proud  Devas 
bowed  before  the  throne. 

And  now  a  change,  —  each  form  looms  indistinct, 
each  voice  grows  terrible.  I  had  come  to  this 
place  to  speak  to  Aurenion,  I  must  witness  a  coun 
cil  of  Devas. 

I  hear,  —  every  nerve  is  strained,  I  tremble  and 
falter,  —  the  friendly  column  supports  me.  Re 
member,  repeat,  if  thou  canst,  Seola  ! 

Ah,  no,  —  I  cannot,  words  unearthly,  —  yet  must  I 
catch  the  meaning,  and  before  oblivion  seals  every 
sense,  give  form  to  that  I  scarcely  comprehend. 
Listen;  it  is  the  voice  of  Lucifer. 

In  some  distant,  awful  hour  he  dared  to  pene 
trate  the  secret  chamber  of  the  Creator  and  seize 
the  mystery  of  life  and  incarnation.  Who  but  the 
Light-Bearer  could  soar  so  high  ?  Swelling  with 
pride,  he  revolted  and  drew  after  him  a  third  part 
of  the  host  of  heaven  and  did  cast  them  to  the  earth. 
They  subjugated  the  human  race,  won  the  love  of 
woman,  and  established  a  sovereignty  ;  for  many 
cycles  their  kingdom  has  remained  undisturbed,  but 
now  the  enemy  is  roused  and  sternest  danger 
threatens. 

He  calls  upon  Agni,  and  the  God  of  Fire,  swift, 


I3O  SEOLA. 

subtle,  uncertain,  moves  forward,  his  step  marked 
by  a  scorched  footprint.  On  his  head  gleams  no 
star,  but  in  place  thereof  a  crown  of  thin  flames. 
His  eyeballs  glow  like  living  coals,  his  voice  is 
hollow  and  gusty  ;  the  Devas  shrink  from  his  hot 
breath,  all  save  the  Lord  Lucifer,  before  whose 
piercing  glance  Agni  grows  pale  and  almost  disap 
pears. 

He  bids  the  Great  Master  look  to  the  stars  that 
draw  upon  the  central  fires';  they  struggle  to  be 
free ;  they  heave  the  bed  of  ocean ;  they  strive  to 
burst  the  ribs  of  earth ;  the  demons  cannot  restrain 
their  fury. 

Agni  vanishes,  and  the  aerial  voice  is  heard  of 
Obora,  Prince  of  the  Upper  Sphere.  In  his  circle 
is  a  great  planet  between  the  Red  World  and  the 
Green ;  uninhabited,  cracked,  and  fissured,  deep- 
seamed  and  rent  by  volcanic  fire.  Deep,  jarring, 
splitting  sounds  now  issue  from  the  centre  of  this 
desolate  orb :  it  is  about  to  fall  in  pieces.  Its  dis 
ruption  will  endanger  the  Earth. 

And  Hesperus  is  called.  He,  ranging  in  the 
twilight  hour  along  the  bounds  of  day  and  darkness, 
beholds  with  alarm  strange  mustering  of  the  heav 
enly  host.  The  balance  of  the  worlds  is  unsettled, 


COUNCIL    OF    THE    DEVAS.  13! 

the  Wan  Planet  is  threatened  with  disruption,  the 
Earth  with  dire  convulsion  ;  fire  and  tempest  will 
prevail,  and  a  great  deluge  come  by  breaking  in  of 
water  from  the  sea. 

A  cry  of  horror  burst  from  all  the  band,  suc 
ceeded  by  the  hush  of  fear. 

Then  like  waves  that  growl  above  the  wreck, 
outspake  Satan,  darkest  and  most  fierce.  He 
would  abandon  this  troublesome  world,  leave  it  to 
the  wrath  of  the  foe  ;  he  scorned  the  men,  and  did 
detest  the  women  and  the  children. 

In  the  fifth  circle  is  an  untenanted  world  of  ex 
ceeding  beauty :  there,  free  from  the  offence  odious 
to  himself  as  to  the  Lord  of  Heaven,  he  would  es 
tablish  a  kingdom  greater  and  more  glorious. 

But  Lucifer  in  wrath  rebuked  the  other.  He 
will  yield  nothing  to  the  Lord  of  Heaven  ;  not  even 
shall  the  approaching  marriage  be  deferred;  naught 
but  utter  ruin  can  change  his  purpose.  He  owns 
the  Earth  by  conquest,  he  holds  it  by  might ;  if  it 
be  destroyed  in  the  fury  of  the  elements,  then  and 
not  till  then  shall  it  be  abandoned ;  themselves  he 
defies  the  Eternal  to  destroy  !  He  cannot  quench 
the  spark  that  emanates  from  his  own  immortal 
nature. 


132  SEOLA. 

And  now  the  Master  rouses  the  courage  of  the 
Devas  by  the  triumphs  of  former  struggles,  their 
passion  by  mention  of  their  beautiful  wives  and 
children,  their  pride  by  thought  of  province  and 
power.  They  must  convert  the  enemy's  expected 
victory  into  failure,  and  thus  aggrandize  their  rank 
to  the  splendors  of  the  seventh  heaven. 

The  Strong  One  is  bound  by  his  own  law ;  by 
that  law  they  must  precipitate  the  hour  of  doom  ! 

Then  follow  words  vague  and  awful,  like  rushing 
meteors  and  roaring  winds,  not  to  be  written,  not 
to  be  recalled,  whose  import  I  could  scarce  com 
prehend.  I  only  knew  that  by  a  desperate  plot  the 
Wan  Planet  could  be  shattered,  the  Green  World 
and  the  Red  shaken,  that  Earth  might  be  saved. 

He  ceased,  and  heavy  thunder  shook  the  dome  ; 
fire  and  smoke  filled  the  vault,  but,  rising  above 
the  tumult,  I  heard  this  dreadful  blasphemy:  — 

"  Honor  to  the  Light-Bearer, 
Praise  to  the  Way-Preparer, 
Glory  to  the  God-Darer, 
Lucifer  our  King." 

Again  was  heard  the  voice  of  the  Great  Prince, — 

"  Who  will  lead  ?  " 

ALL.   Hesperus  !  Hesperus  ! 


COUNCIL    OF    THE    DEVAS.  133 

HESPERUS.  And  hereafter  reign,  the  equal  of 
Lucifer  the  king. 

The  fires  burned  low,  and  the  features  of  the 
great  king  grew  dark,  but  he  answered  grandly,  — 

"  Agreed,  right  royal  prince :  thou  only,  besides 
Lucifer,  canst  discern  the  forces :  thou,  Hesperus, 
never  clouded  by  fumes  of  Homa,  never  shaken 
with  throbs  of  passion. 

"  Summon  thine  associates  in  peril  and  glory : 
seven  is  the  mystic  number.  Command  Onda  and 
Ockba,  twain  and  twain  :  fear  not  to  call  El-kol-ah 
the  mighty,  and  Him  Unname'd,  twain  and  One ! 

"  At  midnight  depart ;  thou  carest  not  for  banquet 
ing.  Away!  away!  Our  peril  admits  no  delay !" 

Mid  flashing  lights,  and  sounds  that  jarred  the 
tower,  with  words  and  signs  obscure  and  awful, 
the  Devas  departed,  all  but  the  Lord  Hesperus, 
who  retired  to  his  chamber  and  closed  the  door. 

This  was  my  moment  for  flight,  but  by  reason 
of  fear  and  astonishment  I  was  rendered  powerless. 
However,  the  reflection  that  delay  would  but  in 
crease  the  danger  of  discovery,  gave  me  super 
natural  strength  ;  I  noiselessly  crept  from  my  place 
of  concealment,  and,  safely  outside  the  gate  of  the 
tower,  flew  rather  than  ran  to  my  retreat  in  the 


134  SEOLA. 

palace.  Once  only  I  dared  to  glance  backward  ;  I 
had  not  been  discovered.  Upon  the  dizzy  height 
of  the  dome  stood  Hesperus  alone :  his  seraphic 
eyes,  which  blenched  not  at  the  noontide  sun,  ear 
nestly  scanned  the  vault  of  heaven.  Absorbed, 
motionless,  he  read  the  stars,  and  strove  to  forecast 
the  possibilities  of  the  morrow. 


HESPERUS    AND    LUCIFER.  135 


HESPERUS  AND  LUCIFER 

EVENING  had  now  fallen  upon  the  earth ;  the 
day,  sultry  and  hot,  was  over,  and,  exhausted  by  its 
extraordinary  adventures,  I  threw  off  the  upper 
wrap,  with  which,  since  coming  to  Sippara,  I  had 
always  concealed  my  head  and  bosom,  removed  the 
vest,  and,  loosening  my  hair,  suffered  it  to  flow  to 
my  feet.  How  like  it  is  to  Lebuda's !  I  unbound 
my  sandals,  and  for  a  few  moments  enjoyed  the 
repose  and  freedom  of  solitude.  The  Palace  of 
Light  overlooked  the  city,  and  as  my  chamber  was 
in  the  highest  tower,  no  intruding  eye  could  violate 
its  seclusion,  though  the  latticed  door  where  I  sat 
was  opened  wide  upon  the  small  balcony  to  admit 
the  evening  air. 

"  For  the  moment,"  I  exclaimed,  "  I  am  alone 
and  safe,  but,  O,  what  danger  and  wrath  hang 
over  the  world !  I  hear  advancing  footsteps :  the 
Avenger  hastens,  the  day  of  woe  is  at  hand.  How 
great  is  our  exposure  and  peril  !  O  my  mother,  we 
sleep  upon  a  volcano ;  we  are  curtained  by  storm- 
clouds  ;  pitfalls  and  snares  are  beneath  our  feet ! 


136  SEOLA. 

How  shall  we  escape  destruction  ?  O  my  God,  how 
shall  we  escape  ? "  Then,  retiring  to  the  shadow 
of  the  chamber,  I  kneeled  to  pray. 

"  O  God  of  Aleemon,  lead  me  unstained  from 
this  City  of  Sin.  Show  me  a  way  of  escape,  even 
if  it  be  by  the  dreary  gate  of  Death !  But  not  for 
myself  alone  would  I  implore  thy  mercy.  My 
mother,  —  though  her  beautiful  form  should  perish, 
save  her  soul!  O  thou  Most  Holy,  restore  her  to 
Aleemon  undefiled  by  the- embrace  of  Lucifer! 
And  for  one  other  would  I  dare  to  lift  up  my  voice. 
O  God  of  infinite  mercy,  Hesperus  thou  didst  create 
for  glory.  His  sin  is  not  so  dreadful  as  that  of 
his  associates  in  rebellion.  O  thou  compassionate 
One,  give  him  power  to  repent,  restore  him  to  thy 
love,  make  him  again  a  bright  archangel,  strong 
to  do  thy  service,  loving  thee  more  than  others 
of  the  heavenly  host,  who  know  not  the  joy  of  par 
doned  sin ! "  At  this  instant  I  became  conscious 
of  a  presence  in  the  room,  and  heard  a  breathing 
like  a  deep-drawn  sigh.  Hastily  rising,  I  saw  in 
the  doorway  of  the  balcony,  distinctly  revealed 
against  the  starlit  sky,  the  form  of  Hesperus. 

There  was  a  rustle,  a  slight  upward  motion,  and 
the  form  vanished. 


HESPERUS    AND     LUCIFER. 

My  heart  beat  thick  with  alarm,  and  my  cheeks 
grew  hot  with  shame.  Hesperus,  wishing  to  say 
farewell  before  his  perilous  undertaking,  had  come 
to  the  tower.  He  had  seen  me  disrobed,  had  heard 
my  prayer !  The  sigh  —  was  it  from  wounded 
love  or  penitent  sorrow  ? 

Far  too  anxious  and  agitated  for  sleep,  I  wrapped 
myself  in  a  mantle  and  went  out  upon  the  balcony. 
Presently  I  heard  voices  below  in  earnest  conversa 
tion.  I  could  not  see  the  speakers,  but  I  recog 
nized  the  now  familiar  tones  of  Hesperus. 

"  I  can  serve  thee  no  longer :  though  this  decis 
ion  is  made  at  a  moment  when  peril  stimulates 
courage,  thou  wilt  not  accuse  me  of  cowardice." 

"  Can  a  Deva  know  madness  ?  "  said  Lucifer,  in 
a  tone  of  incredulity. 

"  I  but  return  to  sanity  and  duty,"  answered  the 
other.  "  The  Almighty  law  is  eternal  fitness  :  it 
cannot  be  broken.  We  are  not  revolutionists,  but 
rebels  who  conspire  against  a  beneficent  Ruler.  I 
repent,  and  shall  resist  no  more." 

"  And  this  to  one  who  exalts  thee  above  all  oth 
ers,  who  now  makes  thee  his  equal  ?  Dost  thou 
ask  favor  of  the  Eternal,  —  thou  who  hast  ravaged 
the  earth,  defied  his  law,  blasphemed  his  name, — 
thou,  the  Counsellor  of  Lucifer  ?  " 


138  SEOLA. 

"  I  know  not,"  gloomily  spake  Hesperus.  "  I  re 
member  that  I  have  sinned  ;  I  will  sin  no  more : 
this  for  myself,  the  rest  with  God." 

"  Prince  of  the  West,  this  change  is  but  the 
weakness  of  new-born  passion.  Seola  affects  piety 
for  her  own  purpose.  She  is  but  human,  as  thou 
mayst  soon  prove." 

"Lord  Lucifer,"  said  Hesperus  with  dignity,  "the 
love  of  woman  may  sink  a  Spirit  to  perdition,  or 
bear  him  upward  to  the  gates  of  glory." 

"  The  damsel  hath  bewitched  thee.  Accursed 
the  hour  in  which  she  perished  not  with  her  father. 
She  shall  die  when  Lebuda  is  wholly  mine." 

"  Till  the  rites  are  celebrated  I  remain  in  thy 
service,  though  Zamiel,  as  he  desires,  shall  com 
mand  the  Mystic  Seven  ;  and  know  thou,  O  Luci 
fer,  Seola,  like  the  Prophet,  is  secure,  guarded  by 
the  power  of  the  Nameless  One." 


THE    PAGEANT.  139 


THE  PAGEANT. 

CORONATION  morning  rose  bright  and  clear.  At 
break  of  day  the  great  court  was  astir  with  work 
men  and  Darvands  who  were  to  complete  the  prep 
arations. 

As  my  windows  opened  upon  this  court,  the 
noise  awakened  me,  and  I  rose  and  watched  their 
labor. 

Towers,  walls,  houses,  and  hanging  gardens,  all 
bore  a  festive  appearance.  Flags  and  ensigns  flut 
tered  in  the  wind,  garlands  hung  from  the  shaft  of 
the  great  serpent,  flowering  shrubs  and  vines  filled 
every  projection,  and  the  air  was  heavy  with  per 
fume. 

Across  the  great  arches  were  banners,  with  tink 
ling  bells  wrought  in  airy  legends  :  — 

"  LUCIFER  AND  LEBUDA." 

"  QUEEN  OF  THE  EARTH." 

"  BRIDE  OF  THE  SUN." 

Gilded  pavilions  were  made  ready  to  receive  the 
queens  of  other  Devas,  and  in  the  centre  of  the 


I4O  SEOLA. 

court  rose  a  great  throne  upon  which  Lucifer  was 
to  crown  Lebuda  at  once  Bride  and  Queen. 

This  throne  of  more  than  human  grandeur  rested 
upon  the  backs  of  four  brazen  dragons  from  whose 
mouths  flowed  a  perpetual  stream  of  Homa.  There 
were  no  steps  to  the  throne,  but  from  a  wide  open 
ing  in  the  wall  of  the  palace,  leading  directly  to  it, 
was  an  aerial  pathway  resembling  a  broad  sun 
beam. 

And  as  I  observed  these  wonders,  a  sudden  hush 
pervaded  the  court ;  each  workman  suspended  his 
labor,  and  a  subdued  murmur  ran  through  the 
crowd :  "  Make  way,  make  way  !  The  Prince  of  the 
Power  of  Air  cometh." 

The  place  was  vacant  in  a  moment,  and  an  awful 
form,  indistinct  and  shapeless,  descended  from  the 
air  to  complete  the  decorations.  Closely  screened 
by  the  lattice,  I  fled  not,  but  breathlessly  observed 
his  motions,  wondering  thereat  with  great  admira 
tion.  He  beckoned  the  clouds  ;  they  came,  and  he 
shook  out  their  folds ;  he  called  the  winds,  and  they 
rushed  to  obey  his  mandates  ;  in  the  vast  cavern  of 
his  mouth  were  they  confined  till  driven  forth  to  do 
his  bidding.  Across  his  vague  shoulders  were  flung 
iris-hued  bows,  and  his  quiver  held  forked  light 
nings. 


THE    PAGEANT.  14! 

With  fitful  force  he  began  the  labor,  raising  from 
the  corner  towers  tall  columns  of  vapor,  white  and 
glistening  like  those  that  precede  a  thunder-storm. 
These  he  united  by  prismatic  arches  thrown  across 
the  court,  meeting  at  a  point  above  the  throne. 
Over  the  lofty  dome  thus  formed,  this  awful  being 
stretched  a  cloud-curtain  rosy  in  hue,  which  soft 
ened  while  it  did  not  obscure  the  sunlight.  From 
the  bosom  of  this  cloud  were  reflected  a  thousand 
opaline  colors,  dissolving,  blending  as  the  mass 
swayed  in  the  light  breeze. 

An  occasional  flash  of  lightning  or  a  dash  of  hail 
gave  intimation  of  danger,  and  explained  the  terror 
this  Presence  inspired. 

He  vanished  like  a  shadow,  and  long  time  I  re 
mained  entranced  by  the  changeful  aspects  of  his 
wondrous  creation,  unmindful  of  the  passing  hours, 
and  unobservant  of  the  assembly  now  thronging 
court  and  pavilion,  roof  and  terrace. 

The  spell  was  sharply  broken  by  a  messenger 
who  came  in  haste  to  inform  me  that  my  presence 
was  required  by  the  queen.  Thereupon  I  obeyed 
the  summons,  and  was  taken  through  a  screened 
garden  into  an  inner  chamber  exceeding  all  others 
in  splendor  and  magnificence.  Over  the  alabaster 


142  SEOLA. 

walls  and  vaulted  ceiling  ran  a  golden  trellis  cov 
ered  with  mimic  vines  and  flowers  painted  with 
divers  colors,  perfumed  with  mist  and  sprinkled 
with  gems  like  dew.  Beneath  a  canopy  of  silver 
lace,  the  couch  of  down  was  spread  ;  around  the 
apartment  were  placed  gold  and  ivory  furniture, 
mirrors  and  statues,  and  above  all,  curtains  of  azure, 
adjusted  for  shade  or  seclusion. 

Within  this  atmosphere  of  light  and  shadow, 
color  and  perfume,  stood  the  royal  pair,  unap 
proachable  in  majesty  and  beauty.  The  world  has 
never  seen,  will  never  again  behold,  a  vision  of 
such  transcendent  perfection. 

Lucifer  the  Light-Bearer  was  attired  in  robe 
of  heavenly  blue,  bedecked  with  diamonds  and 
jewelled  fringe  that  swept  the  floor  like  dancing 
flames.  Upon  his  forehead  blazed  a  pentacle  of 
starry  gems,  from  which  issued  a  spray  as  it  were 
a  fountain  of  fire,  and  in  his  hand  was  held  a  sceptre 
set  with  a  similar  glory,  while  from  every  jewel- 
point  quivered  and  flashed  the  electric  light  pecul 
iar  to  his  majestic  presence. 

Lebuda,  as  Dawn,  recipient  and  reflector  of  light, 
was  draped  or  rather  enshrouded  in  garments  rosy 
and  nebulous  as  the  cloud  now  overhanging  the 


THE    PAGEANT.  143 

palace.  In  every  blushing  fold  lay  pearls  pure  as 
morning  dew,  and  a  veil  of  mist  and  sunbeams, 
secured  upon  her  forehead  by  a  coronet  of  sapphire, 
covered,  but  did  not  conceal,  the  golden  hair  which 
rippled  to  her  feet.  Her  eyes  were  large  and  lus 
trous  as  the  morning  star,  her  color  tinted  like  the 
flush  of  day,  and  when  she  moved,  a  perfume 
floated  in  the  air,  sweet  as  the  breath  of  morn. 

Beautiful  Lebuda,  incarnation  of  woman's  grace 
and  loveliness,  my  tears  fall  fast  for  thee ! 

While  Hesperus,  grave  and  silent,  received  the  or 
ders  of  Lucifer,  I  conversed  with  my  mother  apart. 

"  Seola,"  she  began  in  gently  chiding  tones, 
"  why  art  thou  still  in  rustic  garb,  ill  suited  to  this 
festal  day  ?  Array  thyself  quickly  in  robes  of  state, 
that  thy  presence  and  beauty  may  grace  our  coro 
nation." 

I  kissed  her  hand  in  humility,  and  answered, — 

"  O  my  mother,  verily  God  hath  given  me  power 
to  pierce  the  veil  of  futurity,  to  perceive  that  which 
cannot  be  apprehended  by  outward  sense.  By  this 
I  am  warned  to  take  no  part  in  these  passing 
scenes.  Forgive  me  if  I  but  observe  thee  at  a 
distance ;  my  heart  is  with  thee  even  unto  the  end." 

"  My  child,"  she  said,  "  thy  words  fill  me  with 


144  SEOLA. 

alarm;  they  are  the  clear  echo  of  a  dull  voice  within 
my  own  soul,  a  reproof,  a  menace  ;  my  conscience 
is  troubled,  but  reason  is  clouded.  I  am  driven  for 
ward  by  an  irresistible  power,  tangled  in  a  net  from 
which  I  cannot  extricate  myself.  I  fear  yon  haugh 
ty  lord,  yet  must  I  obey  his  will.  O  that  Alee- 
mon  still  lived  !  "  By  this,  the  only  allusion  to  my 
father  she  had  ever  made,  we  were  both  greatly 
agitated.  I  restrained  myself  with  difficulty,  and 
soothed  her,  saying, —  . 

"  The  evil  is  irreparable :  the  diet  of  the  palace, 
its  baths  and  perfumes,  —  I  have  taken  none  of 
them,  and  can  perceive  clearly  that  we  both  do  but 
execute  the  decrees  of  the  Most  High.  Let  us  hold 
fast  the  thread  of  faith  Aleemon  placed  in  our 
hands,  and  it. will  lead  us,  perchance  through  fire 
and  blood,  safe  to  the  haven  of  eternal  rest." 

"  Pray  for  me,  my  daughter,"  she  answered, 
greatly  moved.  "  I  have  lost  the  power  of  prayer. 
We  part,  I  fear,  forever.  Farewell !  farewell ! " 

At  this  moment  the  shaft  of  the  revolving  ser 
pent  made  no  shadow;  it  was  the  high  noon  of  mid 
summer:  the  sounding  trumpets  announced  that  all 
was  in  readiness. 

Lucifer  took  the  hand  of  Lebuda ;  together  they 


THE    PAGEANT.  145 

floated  through  the  long  corridor,  through  the 
broad  doorway,  down  the  aerial  pavement,  to  their 
place  upon  the  golden  throne. 

Profound  silence  reigned  throughout  the  vast 
assemblage  as  Lucifer  removed  from  his  sceptre 
the  diamond  spray,  placed  it  in  the  coronet  which 
encircled  the  brow  of  Lebuda,  saying,  — 

"  Thus  do  I  create  thee  my  companion  and  equal, 
the  Perfection  of  beauty,  Bride  of  Lucifer,  Queen 
of  the  Earth  and  the  Sun." 

At  that  instant  the  cloud-screen  overhead  was 
rent  asunder,  and  a  blaze  of  sunlight  streamed  upon 
the  royal  pair,  conferring  such  dazzling  effulgence 
that  the  astonished  multitude,  after  a  moment  of 
stupefaction,  burst  into  a  storm  of  applause,  shout 
ing,  "  A  god  !  a  goddess  !  "  "  Glory  to  Lebuda, 
peerless  in  beauty !  "  "  Glory  to  Lucifer,  LIGHT- 
CREATOR,  King  of  the  Earth  and  the  Sun ! " 

This  blasphemous  adulation  of  created  beings 
filled  me  with  horror,  a  feeling  which  seemed  to 
find  voice  in  a  growl  of  thunder  from  a  black  cloud 
overhead,  as  it  suddenly  closed  together. 

And  now  the  blare  of  trumpets  announced  the 
approach  of  the  tribute-bearers,  an  almost  intermi 
nable  procession,  who  were  this  day  to  lay  the  treas- 


146  SEOLA. 

ures  of  earth  and  sea  at  the  feet  of  the  mighty 
prince.  The  giant  sons  of  Lucifer  led  the  van, 
their  athletic  forms  clad  in  silver  scales,  and  on 
their  heads  nodding  plumes.  Fair  were  they  in 
complexion,  with  light  curling  locks ;  for  though  the 
numerous  wives  of  Lucifer  were  of  every  style  of 
beauty,  the  sons  resembled  their  royal  sire.  They 
were  mounted  upon  horses  whose  black  glossy 
bodies  were  thickly  dappled  with  spots  like  white 
clouds,  and  whose  fierce  rolling  eyes  and  airy  tread 
seemed  to  scorn  the  earth. 

Following  the  Children  of  Light,  came  a  thou 
sand  white  elephants  bearing  magnificent  presents 
to  the  mighty  monarch. 

Next  in  rank  were  the  sons  of  Obora,  in  armor  of 
burnished  green,  seated  in  superb  chariots  drawn 
by  harnessed  lions,  whose  savage  nature  tamely 
yielded  to  the  superhuman  strength  and  fear-inspir 
ing  voices  of  the  terrible  beings  who  held  the  reins. 
After  them,  the  sons  of  Zamiel,  Zanyanza,  Akbiel, 
Asmodeus,  and  other  celestial  princes,  all  mighty 
men,  men  of  renown,  arrayed  in  the  costume  of 
their  fathers'  kingdoms,  presenting  munificent  offer 
ings  to  the  King  of  Kings. 

A  man  and  woman  who  served  in  the  halls  of 


THE    PAGEANT.  147 

the  north  tower  came  to  the  balcony,  where  I  was 
sitting  with  faithful  Elbeth,  and,  leaning  upon  the 
rail,  idly  surveyed  the  scene. 

From  the  remarks  of  these  persons  I  learned 
that  they  had  witnessed  many  similar  displays, 
though  they  agreed  this  pageant  excelled  all  oth 
ers,  wondering  greatly  that  the  Prince  of  the  Power 
of  Air  had  acknowledged  allegiance  to  Lucifer. 
They  pointed  out  the  most  famous  of  the  giants, 
recounted  their  deeds  of  prowess,  brutality,  and  de 
bauchery,  and  by  their  free  conversation  brought 
the  hot  blood  tingling  to  my  cheeks. 

"  That  towering  giant  with  a  living  serpent  in  his 
crest,  he  who  rides  the  famous  charger  Aldebaran," 
said  the  man,  "  is  Orak,  son  of  Lucifer,  cruel,  relent 
less,  and  withal  proud  as  his  celestial  father." 

Turning  to  the  woman,  he  added,  "  You  have 
heard  the  last  story  of  Maima  and  her  infant  ? " 

"  Yes,"  she  replied,  "  I  know  many  evil  deeds  of 
Orak,  but  he  is  not  so  ill  as  yon  giant  son  of  Asmo- 
deus  who  lolls  in  the  chariot  drawn  by  pards.  How 
gross  and  bestial  is  his  form  !  No  doubt  a  diet  of 
human  flesh  has  its  influence.  His  kingdom  is  al 
most  depopulated  to  furnish  his  table,  for  the  mon 
ster  is  dainty,  though  a  glutton.  If  there  were  Dar- 


148  SEOLA. 

vandas,  no  doubt  the  human  race  would  soon  be 
exterminated  in  all  the  kingdoms." 

"  I  see  no  Deva  daughters,"  I  ventured  to  re 
mark. 

"  None  have  been  born,"  she  replied.  "  Here 
comes  Seraphus,  the  marvel  of  princes.  It  is  be 
lieved  he  is  immortal,  for  he  alone  of  the  Darvands 
hath  wings,  and  though  nearly  a  thousand  years 
old,  shows  no  signs  of  decrepitude.  Ah,  what  a 
haughty  bearing !  Hide  your  face,  my  lady,"  said 
the  woman,  hurriedly ;  "  he  turns  this  way :  his 
glance  upon  a  fair  maiden  is  deadly  lightning ;  it 
scorches  and  kills." 

Shame  and  indignation  filled  my  soul  as  I  drew 
my  veil  close,  and  more  fully  realized  the  appalling 
condition  of  the  world  under  this  perverted  angelic 
sway.  Truly  these  beings  make  the  earth  trem 
ble,  they  shake  the  kingdoms,  and  destroy  the 
government  thereof;  they  listen  not  to  the  cry  of 
the  prisoner !  Dazzled  by  the  magnificence  of  the 
Devas  and  their  giant  offspring,  overawed  by  their 
unscrupulous  tyranny,  men  have  abandoned  the 
struggle,  and  drift  with  the  stream  of  ungodliness  ; 
they  say,  — 

"The  Lord  hath  forgotten  the  earth,  the  Lord 
seeth  not." 


THE    PAGEANT.  149 

Yet  the  Prophet  has  ceased  not  to  warn  them 
that  the  day  of  wrath  approaches,  and  now  the 
fatal  decree  has  gone  forth  ;  even  at  this  moment 
of  exultation  the  footsteps  of  the  Avenger  echo 
along  the  pathway  of  time. 

Through  the  long  summer  afternoon,  amid  plau 
dits  of  a  gazing  throng,  the  brilliant  procession 
streamed  past,  bearing  to  treasure-houses  on  the 
wall  the  wealth  and  glory  of  the  world.  Imple 
ments  of  labor,  munitions  and  weapons  of  war, 
chariots  and  horses,  herds  of  elephants,  camels, 
and  cattle,  rare  and  curious  animals  from  every 
clime,  slaves  and  dwarfs,  passed  slowly  by.  There 
were  also  to  be  seen  bundles  of  fur,  bales  of  rich 
est  fabric,  broidered  vestments,  mirrors,  vases, 
drinking-cups,  caskets  of  gems,  gold  and  silver, 
coral,  amber,  and  treasures  of  the  sea,  baskets  of 
fruit,  strange  plants,  spices,  perfumes,  and  a  band 
of  dancers  and  beautiful  captives. 

And  now  appeared  the  culminating  wonder,  —  a 
fleet  of  air-ships  winging  their  flight  above  the  great 
assembly.  These  marvellous  structures  are  the 
invention  of  a  Darvand  who  lived  in  the  early  ages, 
and  discovered  in  the  hollow  bones  of  birds  that 
which  would  have  escaped  the  eyes  of  mere  mor- 


I5O  SEOLA. 

tals  forever,  the  secret  of  flight.  It  has  been  care 
fully  concealed,  and  the  use  of  these  aerial  barges 
confined  to  the  royal  families  with  whose  colors 
they  are  superbly  decorated. 

Upon  the  prow  of  each  vessel  stood  a  beautiful 
queen,  who,  as  the  ships  paused  on  fluttering  sails 
before  the  throne,  gracefully  dropped  at  the  feet 
of  the  newly  crowned  empress  tokens  of  admira 
tion  and  loyalty. 

As  the  fleet  sailed  slowly  away  and  disappeared 
in  the  overhanging  mist,  a  strain  of  seraphic  music 
from  the  Devas  proclaimed  the  triumph  of  rebellion 
and  sensuality. 

O  sin  and  shame,  the  deadliest  guilt,  lauded  by 
angel  tongues! 

The  pageant  was  ended,  the  feast  was  to  begin. 
The  sun,  which  all  day  long  looked  calmly  down 
upon  this  scene  of  splendor,  now  sank  in  the  west ; 
above  the  descending  orb  rolled  upward  billowy 
clouds  of  crimson  hue :  the  ruddy  glow  stained 
tower  and  pavilion,  marble  colonnade  and  house 
top.  And  thus,  when  Lucifer  and  his  bride  passed 
up  the  luminous  pathway  into  the  banquet-hall, 
Lebuda  appeared  immersed  in  a  crimson  tide. 

"  Too  red,  too  red,"  Elbeth  spoke  abruptly  ;  "  my 
mistress  seems  bathed  in  blood." 


THE  ANGELS  ABANDON  THE  EARTH. 


THE  ANGELS  ABANDON  THE  EARTH. 

THE  sun  went  down,  the  crimson  faded  and 
deepened  to  purple,  gray  shadows  fell,  and  with  a 
shiver  I  retired  to  the  solitude  of  my  chamber, 
while  Elbeth  prepared  a  simple  repast.  Before  it 
was  finished,  the  confusion  and  uproar  in  the  ban 
quet-hall  became  so  great  that  I  trembled  for  the 
safety  of  my  mother. 

"Go,  Elbeth,"  I  cried;  "linger  near  Lebuda;  you 
may  be  of  service  to  your  mistress,  and  I  shall  be 
less  anxious." 

Thus  left  alone,  I  went  forth  upon  the  balcony 
and  gave  myself  up  to  melancholy  reflection.  Could 
I  do  aught  for  my  mother  ?  She  was  now  irrevo 
cably  bound  to  Lucifer ;  body  and  soul  seemed 
lost.  In  the  Ail-Powerful  alone  was  help. 

I  looked  out  upon  the  heavens.  Twilight  had 
faded  into  night ;  no  vapor  dimmed  the  sky,  only  a 
faint  luminous  cloud  rising  above  the  garden. 

As  my  soul  went  out  to  God  in  prayer,  a  pass 
ing  thrill  gave  token  that  the  fetters  of  sense  were 
removed.  At  once  the  light  cloud  disappeared, 


152  SEOLA. 

and  I  saw  celestial  forms  soaring  upward,  radiant 
and  pure,  though  powerful  as  those  of  the  Devas. 

A  tremor  fills  the  air ;  it  wavers,  faints,  and  dies, 
—  again  it  swells  upon  the  breeze. 

Is  it  the  rising  wind,  moaning  among  the  palms? 

No !  no !  Voices  celestial  float  earthward  from 
the  vanishing  cloud,  —  words  are  formed ;  they 
weave  a  requiem,  —  the  warp  is  music,  the  woof 


a  sigh. 


SONG  OF  THE  ANGELS. 

Mourn  — for  the  Star  of  Day 

Dieth  at  dawn ; 
Weep  —  for  the  Moon's  soft  ray 

Paleth  ere  morn. 
No  rosy  blush  may  rise, 
No  perfume-breathed  sighs  ; 

The  burning  kiss, 

The  dreams  of  bliss, 

To  anguish  turn. 

Behold  —  the  mists  of  death 

Now  darken  heaven ; 
Listen  —  the  roaring  waves 

Are  madly  driven, 
And  shrieks  of  wild  despair 
Convulse  the  shuddering  air : 

Life's  flame  expires ; 

The  natal  fires 

No  longer  burn. 


THE  ANGELS  ABANDON  THE  EARTH.   153 

The  giant  sons  must  die  : 

The  Lords  of  Light 
In  caverns  dark  must  lie, 

In  rayless  night. 
E'en  Mercy  sighs,  "  Too  late  !  " 
'Neath  prison  bars  they  wait, 

In  blind  dismay, 

The  dreadful  day 
That  seals  their  fate. 

Like  the  last  quiver  of  a  bell  the  sound  dies  in 
the  distance. 

But  who  is  he  remains  on  earth  enwrapped  in 
mournful  thought  ?  His  face  is  stern  and  sad,  his 
hand  rests  upon  the  hilt  of  a  sword,  his  black  gar 
ments  rustle  in  the  night -breeze  like  withered 
leaves,  and  his  voice  blending  with  the  melancholy 
sound  whispers,  — 

"  O  hand,  be  firm  ;  heart,  unrelenting :  ye  do  but 
execute  the  decrees  of  the  Most  High." 

Who  is  he  that  joins  not  his  peers  in  their  flight 
from  the  doomed  earth  ? 

It  is  Azreel,  Angel  of  Death  ! 

I  close  my  heavy  eyes,  and  press  my  throbbing 
heart ;  my  thoughts  revert  to  Aleemon  resting  be 
neath  the  cypress-trees.  O  that  I  were  lying  un 
conscious  by  his  side ! 


154  *  SEOLA. 


THE   BEGINNING  OF  THE  END. 

THERE  was  but  one  moment  to  dream,  for  now 
an  awful  uproar  arose  throughout  the  palace, — 
shouts,  curses,  yells  ;  then  a  confused  crowd  rushed 
madly  into  the  garden,  men  and  giants  brandishing 
deadly  weapons  and  uttering  unintelligible  cries. 

Towering  above  all  others,  the  mighty  celestials 
pressed  forward,  rage  and  fury  depicted  on  their 
dreadful  faces. 

And  lo !  the  fountain  of  fire  in  the  midst  of  the 
garden,  moved  by  some  infernal  influence,  shot  up 
furiously  into  the  sky,  lighting  with  unnatural 
glare  the  great  court,  the  palace  and  surrounding 
heights,  —  a  fearful  mockery  of  day.  The  strug 
gling  crowd  surged  toward  the  basin,  and,  bathing 
their  blades  in  waves  of  flame,  howled  forth  oaths 
and  blasphemies  so  horrible,  that  I  pressed  my 
hands  upon  my  ears  to  shut  out  the  stunning 
words.  In  vain  did  I  oppose  such  feeble  barriers, 
for  high  above  all  other  sounds  was  heard  the 
voice  of  Lucifer  rallying  the  Devas. 

"  To  arms,  to  arms,  celestials  1     The  hour  of  fate 


THE    BEGINNING    OF    THE    END.  I$5 

hastens,  but  we  will  foil  our  hated  foe.  Yet  will  I 
ascend  and  be  like  the  Most  High.  To  my  victo 
rious  allies  will  I  give  the  kingdoms  of  the  world 
and  its  glory.  Seraphus,  the  hour  has  come. 
Loosen  the  Steeds  of  the  Sun!" 

The  vaulted  dome  re-echoed  the  voice  terrible  as 
a  roll  of  thunder,  shouts  from  the  maddened  Devas 
answered  the  appeal,  fire  flashed  from  heaven-forged 
armor,  and  the  clash  of  alarms  swelled  the  dis 
tracting  din. 

The  winged  Darvand  sped  toward  Mount  Her- 
mon  and  uttered  a  piercing  cry,  which  was  answered 
by  a  roar  beneath  the  mountain,  so  furious  that  the 
palace  shook  and  the  crowd  shrieked  with  fear. 
The  doors  of  the  vault  burst  with  a  clang,  and  there 
rushed  forth,  like  the  blast  of  a  furnace,  horses  of 
fire  winged  with  flame.  Driven  by  the  wind,  they 
assumed  strange  distorted  shapes,  smoke  and  light 
ning  issued  from  their  nostrils  as  they  rapidly  ap 
proached  the  palace. 

I  grew  terrified  and  turned  to  flee,  when  a  fear 
ful  sight  held  me  motionless.  On  the  wall  of  the 
garden  stood  a  dark  and  gloomy  form,  whose  fea 
tures  of  deepest  melancholy,  by  sudden  flashes  of 
the  Fire  Fountain,  I  recognized  to  be  those  of  Hes- 


156  SEOLA. 

perus.  Lucifer  also  perceived  him,  and  springing 
forward  swung  the  sharp  sword  above  his  head. 

"  Traitor,"  he  shouted,  "  mount  Asparatha,  and 
retrieve  thine  honor  and  fortune ! " 

"  Traitor  no  longer,"  returned  Hesperus  ;  "  loyal 
at  last  to  my  rightful  king." 

Then  Lucifer  swooped  downward  with  his  awful 
blade. 

"  Die,  base  ingrate,"  he  thundered.  "  I  take  the 
worthless  life  I  gave." 

Smitten  by  the  well-aimed  blow,  Hesperus  fell 
forward.  My  eyes  closed,  and  I  sank  upon  the 
floor  of  the  chamber. 

From  an  insensible  condition  I  was  awakened 
by  the  voice  of  my  old  servant,  who  raised  me  un 
ceremoniously,  and  in  breathless  terror  began,  — 

"  My  child,  awful  omens  have  been  seen.  Scarce 
were  the  king  and  queen  seated  at  the  banquet, 
when  a  messenger  (sent  to  inquire  why  the  Homa 
fountain  had  ceased  to  flow)  came  in  haste  and 
informed  Lucifer  that  the  water  in  the  wells  had 
suddenly  sunk  and  the  bed  of  the  river  was  dry. 

" '  Strike  off  the  head  of  the  liar,'  commanded 
the  enraged  prince. 

" '  My  lord,'  interposed  the  Counsellor, '  death  on 
a  wedding-day  is  but  an  evil  omen.' 


THE    BEGINNING    OF    THE    END. 

"  Lucifer  paused  :  not  so  the  sword  of  the  execu 
tioner.  One  swift  blow,  and  the  head  of  the  unfor 
tunate  messenger  rolled  upon  the  floor. 

"  A  strange  light  now  filled  the  banquet-hall,  and 
on  the  ceiling  ran  letters  of  fire  traced  by  no  mor 
tal  hand.  The  green  serpent  in  the  golden  tank 
threw  himself  violently  out  of  the  water,  his  red 
crest  erect,  and  with  horrible  hissing  and  convul 
sion  expired. 

"  At  this  moment  Satan  rushed  in.  His  counte 
nance  was  distorted  by  rage,  and  he  roared  like  a 
midnight  tempest. 

" '  Besotted  fools,'  he  cried,  '  forgetful  of  our  tre 
mendous  emprise,  wantoning  away  moments  upon 
which  hangs  the  fate  of  Eternity,  I  could  hate  you 
as  I  hate  the  weak  race  to  which  your  sensual 
bodies  are  enslaved  !  Drivelling  idiots,  leave  your 
women  and  banqueting.  Zamiel  and  his  force  have 
been  driven  from  the  Wan  Planet,  and  a  strong 
guard  of  the  enemy,  who  but  this  evening  left  the 
earth,  have  taken  possession. 

"'The  great  comet  Zummundera,  intrusted  to  the 
care  of  that  weakling,  Varunus,  broken  from  its 
watcher,  is  madly  aiming  at  the  earth's  orbit ;  your 
kingdom  will  perish  by  fire  instead  of  flood.  Away, 


158  SEOLA. 

away  to  the  Wan  World !  Unless  you  can  dismem 
ber  it,  all  is  lost !  lost !  lost ! ' 

"  With  a  bound  the  Devas  sprang  from  the  table, 
seized  their  armor,  and,  exchanging  fearful  words 
and  tokens,  rushed  to  the  Fire  Fountain. 

"The  ladies  conveyed  the  queen  from  the  hall 
before  I  could  gain  access  to  her,  and  as  I  waited, 
uncertain  what  course  to  take,  I  saw  the  dark  Deva, 
Satan,  turn  back. 

" '  One  cause  of  weakness  less,  one  body  more  to 
fill  the  crypt  of  immortality  ! '  he  growled,  as  he 
passed  swiftly  toward  the  bridal  chamber.  O  my 
child,  his  face  was  so  malignant,  I  fear  —  " 

While  she  yet  spake,  a  piercing  scream  rang  out 
through  the  now  empty  corridors,  a  sound  which  is 
only  heard  when  the  soul  parts  from  the  body,  — 
the  cry  of  mortal  anguish. 

Startled  from  the  paralyzed  condition  into  which 
I  had  fallen,  I  flew  along  the  halls,  followed  closely 
by  the  affrighted  Elbeth,  the  song  of  the  angels 
resounding  in  memory, — 

"  Weep,  for  the  Moon's  soft  ray 
Paleth  ere  morn." 

We  reached  the  door  of  the  bridal  chamber.  O 
sight  of  woe  !  there  prone  upon  the  marble  floor  lay 


THE     BEGINNING    OF     THE    END.  159 

the  beautiful  form  of  my  mother  writhing  in  the 
agonies  of  death.  The  infernal  steel  had  done  its 
work,  the  life-blood  poured  fast  from  the  cruel 
wound  in  her  bosom  ;  yet  was  she  conscious,  and  as 
I  sobbing  embraced  her,  whispered  faintly,  — 

"  Saved,  O  my  daughter !  "  And  her  violet  eyes 
were  closed  in  death. 

Frantic  with  grief  and  terror,  I  dashed  away  the 
restraining  arms  of  Elbeth,  and  rushed  out  into 
the  moonlight.  All  was  quiet  in  court  and  palace, 
but  afar  could  be  heard  a  confused  sound  like  the 
surges  of  ocean.  As  I  passed  the  wall  from  which 
a  few  moments  previous  I  had  seen  the  Deva  fall,  I 
groaned  aloud,  — 

"  O  night  of  death  and  woe !  O  my  mother !  O 
Hesperus !  O  my  God  !  " 

A   deep   sigh    answered,   and    from    the    dense 
shadow  of  the  wall  came  back  the  words,  — 
"  O  my  God  !  " 

There  was  such  pathos  in  the  tone,  that,  forget 
ting  my  own  grief  and  fear,  I  turned  toward  the 
spot  whence  the  sound  proceeded,  and  there  upon 
the  grassy  bank  I  saw  the  dying  Hesperus.  I  was 
now  but  too  familiar  with  the  tokens  of  dissolution, 
and  knew  that  few  moments  would  intervene  be- 


I6O  SEOLA. 

fore  the  spirit  must  be  loosened  from  its  tenement 
of  flesh.  Forgiving  the  past,  even  the  death  of  my 
father,  I  bent  with  reverent  awe,  and,  raising  the 
head  of  the  dying  angel,  laid  it  gently  on  my  bosom, 
carefully  parting  from  his  damp  brow  the  heavy 
locks.  His  eyes  opened :  how  changed  since  first 
I  saw  them  !  No  longer  burning  with  unholy  fire, 
they  were  turned  solemnly  upward ;  the  pale  lips 
unclosed,  and  words  faintly  spoken  were  not  ad 
dressed  to  mortal  ear. 

"  The  pledge  —  to  die  by  the  Tempter's  hand, 
and,  dying,  rest  upon  Seola's  virgin  breast. 

"  Steadfast  still,  and  pure,  she  holds  the  thread 
of  fate,  and  stays  my  soul,  poised  on  the  brink  of 
death. 

"  The  fire  burns  low  —  low  in  the  West.  The 
beams  are  quenched  —  Dark,  dark  and  cold  ! 

"I  die  —  I  sink  — 

"Thou  callest  me.    I  rise !    O  God,  I  rise  again!" 

As  the  last  sigh  of  the  angel  passed  away,  a 
slight  rustle  caught  my  ear  ;  I  turned  quickly,  and 
in  a  recess  of  the  massive  wall  beheld  an  object 
which  chained  mine  eyes  and  curdled  my  blood 
with  fright. 

Outlined  in  the  darkness  by  phosphoric  gleams 


THE    BEGINNING    OF    THE    END.  l6l 

was  a  huge  equine  shape  with  drooping  wings 
and  ghastly  eyes,  the  terrible  Asparatha,  whose  ex 
istence,  by  some  mysterious  bond,  must  terminate 
with  that  of  his  master.  Panting,  trembling,  fad 
ing,  like  a  mist  moved  in  the  breeze,  like  a  heat 
wave  ascending  from  a  rock,  the  Steed  of  the  Sun 
vanished,  or  was  exhaled  with  the  breath  of  the 
Evening  Star. 


162  SEOLA. 


THE  PROPHETESS  SEOLA  LOOKS 
UPON  THE  SPIRIT  WORLD. 

AGAIN  I  fled  from  the  scene  of  death  and  went 
aimlessly  forward.  The  men,  uncertain  of  purpose, 
had  gone  to  the  Tower  of  Lucifer,  and  a  hushed 
fear  as  of  some  impending  calamity  had  fallen  upon 
the  women  and  children.  .1  paused  not  till  I  ex 
ceeded  the  limits  of  the  deserted  city,  and,  coming 
upon  an  open  plain,  gazed  long  and  earnestly  into 
the  southern  sky.  By  the  tremor  that  agitated  my 
frame,  by  the  increasing  luminosity  of  distant  stars, 
by  a  clearer  vision  of  the  full-orbed  moon,  and  by 
an  intensified  quickening  of  every  sense,  I  was  con 
scious  of  the  superhuman  Power.. 

And  whether  in  the  body  or  spirit  only,  God 
knoweth,  I  went  out  past  sun  and  moon,  past  grand 
and  solemn  orbs,  through  fields  of  drifting  stars, 
out  into  cold  and  darksome  space  till  I  hung  upon 
the  verge  of  God's  Infinity.  Then  knew  I  of  a 
surety  that  the  Most  High  had  freed  my  soul,  for 
I  perceived  the  Invisible,  the  Inaudible,  the  Intan 
gible  ;  that  which  human  mind  had  never  before 


SEOLA   LOOKS    UPON   THE    SPIRIT   WORLD.        163 

conceived,  what  unaided  mortal  sense  can  never 
comprehend. 

I  looked  upon  the  Energies  of  Nature  !  Wheels 
within  wheels,  forever  turning,  changing,  returning. 
Impalpable  resistance,  imponderable  weight.  Nor 
night  nor  discord,  age  or  death.  Swift  as  thought, 
firm  as  the  will  of  God. 

There  reigns  Eternal  Order! 

There  dwells  Eternal  Noon ! 

Beneath  a  dome  clear  as  crystal  I  saw  the  Dial 
of  Time.  There  are  the  cycles  measured,  there  are 
recorded  the  immeasurable  eternities.  And  above 
all  was  the  Great  Centre  which  binds  the  sweet  in 
fluence  of  the  stars,  and  surrounding  it  were  placed 
the  Seven  Burning  Lights. 

At  this  sight  I  trembled  and  cried  out  with  fear 
lest  it  might  be  loosened  and  crash  through  all  the 
worlds ;  but  a  mighty  seraph,  who  watched  the  un 
utterable  wonder,  answered  my  fear,  saying,  — 

"  Omnipotence  alone  can  loosen  the  bands  estab 
lished  by  Eternal  Will.  Child  of  Earth,  look  thou 
westward." 

Straining  my  eyes  through  the  illimitable  plains 
of  ether,  I  perceived  a  long  line  of  worlds,  stretch 
ing  in  direct  and  almost  endless  continuity.  One 


164  SEOLA. 

immense  star  was  wheeling  into  place,  silent,  sub 
lime,  awful ! 

But  most  portentous  was  the  terrible  oncoming 
of  a  fiery  comet ;  its  body  was  like  a  scimitar,  its 
head  and  wings  like  a  dragon.  Vast  as  a  thousand 
suns,  but  swift  as  a  meteor's  flash,  it  rushed  along, 
blinding  the  eye  with  its  glare  and  making  a  tene 
brous  twilight  more  terrible  than  darkness. 

The  seraph  spake  :  "  When  Gu-ardor  moves  into 
line  and  the  comet  reaches  the  Moon,  a  convulsive 
thrill  will  undulate  from  the  Great  Centre  to  the 
infinite  regions  of  outer  space." 

His  eyes  turned  toward  the  Dial,  and,  following 
their  inclination,  I  perceived  that  the  index  was 
slowly  sinking  to  the  lowest  point  of  the  great 
circle,  beneath  which,  in  letters  black  as  night,  I 
discerned  this  inscription, 

"THE  HOUR  OF  DOOM." 

Again  I  followed  the  solemn  eyes  of  the  seraph, 
which  were  fixed  with  intense  eagerness  upon  a 
luminous  spot  high  above  the  atmosphere  of  the 
earth  ;  there,  like  a  phantom  host  in  battle  array,  I 
saw  the  rebel  Devas  upon  their  steeds  of  flame,  and 
by  his  superior  brightness  knew  that  Lucifer  held 
command. 


SEOLA   LOOKS   UPON   THE   SPIRIT   WORLD.        l6$ 

The  loyal  angels  had  driven  the  Evil  Workers 
from*  the  volcanoes  of  the  Wan  Planet,  and  strove 
to  repel  Zamiel,  now  reinforced  by  the  demon  host. 
In  the  thickest  of  the  fight  the  towering  form  of 
the  Light-Bearer  flashed  forth  a  blaze  that  dazzled 
and  scorched  all  who  opposed  him. 

O  hell's  intensest  rage,  O  heaven's  majestic 
wrath  !  how  can  mortal  speak  their  power  ? 

Who  can  write  the  roar  of  the  tempest,  the  vio 
lence  of  fire  ?  Who  can  utter  the  rush  of  the 
whirlwind,  or  the  surge  of  ocean  thundering  along 
the  shore  ?  Who  indite  the  transit  of  thought,  or 
the  flitting  lights  of  the  northern  sky? 

Yet  spirit  can  listen  to  spirit,  though  none  may 
repeat  the  sound. 

*  *  *  *  * 

Before  this  blast  of  hell  the  angelic  band  slowly 
gave  way,  and  the  triumphant  voice  of  Lucifer,  clear 
but  distant,  rang  out  like  an  archangel's  trumpet. 

"  Princes  of  Lucifer,  the  battle  is  won  ;  the 
earth  is  ours.  We  defy  the  Strong  One ;  we  will 
drag  the  proud  Eternal  from  his  throne  ! " 

Then  the  heavens  stood  aghast,  earth  was  shaken, 
the  stars  grew  pale  and  circled  slower  on  their 
wheels  of  fire.  All  nature  shuddered  at  the  possi 
ble  consummation. 


l66  SEOLA. 

At  this  moment  a  sudden  hush,  a  pulseless  si 
lence,  fell  on  all  created  things,  as  from  the  north 
ern  sky,  stretching  across  the  ethereal  vault,  there 
appeared  —  THE  SHADOW  OF  A  HAND  ! 

Without  delay  or  haste,  the  Shadow  moved  for 
ward  and  fell  upon  the  incarnate  host,  who,  pressing 
sorely  the  defeated  band,  perceived  not  its  advance. 
Suddenly  a  spasm  as  of  cold  passed  over  them, 
the  electric  fire  slowly  faded,  ashy  pallor  overspread 
every  face,  the  strong  pinions  drooped,  the  weap 
ons  fell  from  nerveless  hands,  despair  took  posses 
sion  of  each  thick-beating  heart. 

Colder  and  darker  grew  the  host,  sinking  lower 
and  lower,  when,  with  the  suddenness  of  lightning's 
flash,  the  great  comet,  which  in  the  absorbing 
interest  of  this  supreme  moment  had  been  rapidly 
•approaching  unperceived,  swerved  from  its  course 
by  the  weight  of  the  falling  Devas,  wheeled  and 
circled  round  them,  condensing  and  hardening  as 
it  passed  under  the  SHADOW  OF  THE  HAND,  until 
they  were  hopelessly  encompassed  and  bound  in 
links  of  adamantine  chain.  A  faint  blue  flame 
parting  from  the  Light-Bearer  gave  token  of  the 
last  struggle,  as  deeper  and  darker  the  incarnation 
of  despair  sank  into  the  rayless  gloom  of  a  black 
unfathomable  abyss. 


SEOLA    LOOKS    UPON   THE    SPIRIT   WORLD.         l6/ 

The  divine  flame  flickered  as  if  about  to  expire, 
but  a  mighty  seraph,  pausing  between  earth  and 
heaven  to  watch  the  fearful  spectacle  (whose  face 
I  did  not  discern),  sprang  forward  and  caught  the 
dying  ray,  parted  from  Lucifer,  and  it  blazed  anew 
in  dazzling  effulgence,  set  upon  the  brow  of  him 
whom  the  angels  hail  "  Aurus,  henceforth  Guardian 
of  the  Gates  of  Light !  " 

And  one  dark  Deva  felt  not  the  chain,  but,  like 
lightning  as  it  falls  from  heaven,  flitted  away  to  a 
distant  star ;  it  was  Satan,  the  Hater  of  Women ! 

The  Shadow  still  moved  forward  till  it  reached 
the  crystal  dome  ;  at  that  instant  Gu-ardor  touched 
the  line,  the  pointer  on  the  Dial  trembled  to  the 
Hour  of  Doom,  one  Light  of  the  Burning  Seven 
went  out  in  gloom,  and  a  throb  from  the  Great 
Centre  quivered  through  the  limitless  expanse  of 
the  all-embracing  Soul. 

Then  from  that  region  of  the  skies  where  once  the 
Devas  held  their  ancient  reign  —  O  doleful  fate  !  — 
the  predestined  stars  shot  wildly  from  their  spheres, 
and  following  each  his  dethroned  lord,  sank  from 
sight,  quenched  and  blackened  in  the  dreary  void. 

The  Wan  Planet  felt  the  shock ;  weakened  in 
its  centre  by  the  labor  of  the  Devas,  it  reeled,  shiv- 


l68  SEOLA. 

ered  for  an  instant,  then  the  incoherent  mass 
burst  asunder,  and  the  fragments,  flying  wildly, 
were  scattered  in  space. 

Too  late,  too  late,  to  save  the  kingdom  of  the 
Devas  ;  for  the  Earth,  swayed  by  the  mighty  undu 
lation  of  commingling  forces,  tossed  and  staggered 
like  a  cockle-shell  upon  a  stormy  sea. 

Again  deep  silence  fell  on  all  created  things,  till 
from  the  incalculable  heights  where  the  unseen  OM 
forever  and  forever  broodeth,  like  the  solemn  chime 
of  bells  came  voices  of  the  heavenly  hosts  in  an- 
tiphonal  chant :  — 

"  Glory,  glory  forevermore !  Thou  alone  art 
great,  Lord  God  Almighty ! " 

Then  fell  I  as  one  dead,  without  speech  or  sense 
or  motion,  and  lay  prone  upon  the  cold  earth. 
*  *  *  *  * 

How  long  I  was  insensible  I  know  not,  but  with 
returning  consciousness  I  felt  great  drops  of  rain 
upon  my  face,  flashes  of  lightning  dazzled  my  eyes, 
and  a  crash  of  thunder  distracted  my  ears.  Then 
darkness  became  intense,  but  I  could  hear  advan 
cing  footsteps  of  men  and  their  agitated  voices. 

"  An  awful  tempest,"  said  one.  "  Saw  you  aught 
like  the  flame  that  rushed  from  the  Fire  Fountain 


SEOLA   LOOKS   UPON   THE   SPIRIT  WORLD.        169 

up  to  the  black  clouds  when  the  Tower  of  Lucifer 
crumbled  to  ashes  ? " 

"  But  less  appalling,"  said  another,  "  than  the  bolt 
from  heaven  that  blotted  out  the  northern  tower. 
Surely  this  is  no  natural  storm,  no  earthly  fire  ! 
The  old  monomaniac's  words  are  true.  Hell  has 
broken  in  upon  us." 

"  Listen,"  said  the  first  speaker,  pausing  breath 
less  by  the  place  where  I  stood  ;  "  heard  you  not 
a  sigh  ?  What  fills  the  air  ?  A  crash,  a  breath,  a 
whisper!  Let  us  fly.  Whither  shall  we  go?  Where 
is  Lucifer  ?  Why  comes  he  not  to  control  the  Prince 
of  the  Power  of  Air  ?  " 

In  terror  they  ran  forward,  stumbling  in  the 
darkness,  leaving  me  scarcely  less  affrighted  than 
themselves. 

At  this  moment  of  perplexity  I  heard  one  calling 
my  name,  "  Seola,  Seola."  Sweeter  than  the  music 
of  a  seraph  was  the  voice  coming  through  the 
gloomy  night. 

"  O  Japhet,"  I  cried,  as  I  fell  into  his  extended 
arms,  "my  mother  is  murdered,  Hesperus  has  fallen, 
the  north  tower  is  burned,  Elbeth  must  have  per 
ished—" 

"  But  I  am  with  you,  my  beloved,"  said  he  ;  "  the 


I/O  SEOLA. 

barriers   that   separated  us  are  removed,  and  wilt 
thou  not  be  mine  ?  " 

And  I  answered,  "  Dear  Japhet,  I  am  thine." 
Aided  by  the  fitful  lightning,  we  went  toward  the 
Tebah,  into  which  Japhet  told  me  the  family  had 
removed.  He  also  informed  me  that,  being  near 
the  palace  when  the  alarm  was  sounded,  he  entered 
the  halls  and  sought  me  in  vain,  but  among  the 
women  who  had  gathered  around  the  body  of  the 
murdered  queen,  was  poor  Elbeth,  almost  stupefied 
with  terror.  He  roused  her,  and  together  they 
went  to  my  chamber,  hoping  that  I  might  have  fled 
thither.  Not  finding  me,  Japhet  proposed  that 
such  articles  as  belonged  to  me  should  be  removed 
from  the  palace  to  the  habitation  of  the  Prophet,  to 
which  it  was  possible  I  might  have  retreated.  Be 
ing  convinced  that  the  great  catastrophe  was  near, 
he  hired  some  idlers  who  stood  in  the  halls,  and 
soon  everything  was  transferred  to  the  Tebah. 
But  the  lost  one  was  not  there ;  whereupon  dear 
old  Elbeth  went  back  to  await  my  return.  Alas, 
it  was  to  meet  her  fate,  for  in  a  few  moments  the 
tower  and  all  within  became  a  prey  to  the  fury  of 
the  elements.  Faithful  friend,  thou  hast  gone  to 
rest,  although  thy  soul  went  out  on  wings  of  flame. 


SEOLA   LOOKS   UPON   THE   SPIRIT   WORLD.        I/I 

Meantime  Japhet  sought  me  through  the  storm, 
directed  by  a  peculiar  aureola  which  encircled  my 
head.  This  he  attributed  to  the  incessant  light 
ning,  but  in  my  heart  I  felt  that  it  was  the  lingering 
glory  of  the  unseen  world. 

Wet  and  weary,  we  reached  the  much-desired 
haven,  where  our  anxious  friends  gave  cordial  wel 
come.  None  questioned  as  to  my  absence  from 
the  palace,  and  I  told  the  vision  to  none ;  to  no 
other  human  eye  was  it  unveiled. 

I  changed  my  dripping  garments,  and  after  some 
much-needed  refreshment,  retired  to  the  little  room 
Japhet  had  unwittingly  prepared  for  my  reception. 
Here,  among  the  articles  so  hastily  removed  from 
the  palace,  I  found  my  journal,  and  before  the 
events  of  this  day  of  wonders  fade  from  memory,  I 
confide  to  it  the  secrets  I  can  intrust  to  no  other. 

This  night,  by  the  solemn  words  of  the  Prophet 
and  my  own  irrevocable  vow,  I  have  been  united  to 
Japhet  in  the  sacred  bonds  of  marriage,  an  event  of 
gravest  importance  in  the  life  of  other  maidens, 
but  in  my  own,  dwarfed  to  insignificance  by  the 
dread  prescience  which  overshadows  it.  Have  I 
been  too  lightly  won  ? 

There  could  be  no  coy  indecision.  Danger  con 
fronts  me,  crying  harshly,  — 


1/2  SEOLA. 

"  Waste  no  breath  in  amorous  sighs,  spend  no 
moments  in  idle  dalliance;  stern  themes  demand 
thy  thought ;  trials  more  severe,  thine  energies." 

Was  ever  wife  so  wedded  ?  Was  ever  marriage 
journey  so  begun  ?  Our  love  had  birth  in  danger 
and  gloom,  dire  portents  in  earth  and  heaven  at 
tend  our  nuptials,  and  shrouded  horror  hangs  over 
the  future.  May  that  powerful  HAND,  whose  shadow 
can  sink  to  despair  the  hosts  of  mighty  Lucifer  and 
shatter  to  fragments  great  worlds,  control  the  ele 
ments  now  gathering  for  devastation,  and  carry 
us  safely  through  that  perilous  voyage  in  which 
there  is  neither  map  nor  chart,  rudder  nor  com 
pass,  sun  nor  star  to  guide. 

The  memory  of  this  night's  experience  over 
powers  me  ;  I  can  scarce  trust  my  own  recollection. 
Was  it  illusion,  or  have  I  indeed  been  permitted 
to  behold  the  Spirit  World  and  witness  the  mys 
tery  and  majesty  of  God's  power  in  the  energies 
of  nature  ? 

As  I  look  forth  into  the  night,  the  answer  is 
given.  The  storm  is  over ;  the  stars  are  silently 
climbing  the  eastern  heavens,  but  as  my  eyes 
sweep  inquiringly  across  the  serene  vault,  many 
familiar  objects  are  wanting.  Quenched  is  one 


SEOLA   LOOKS   UPON   THE   SPIRIT   WORLD.        1 73 

lamp  of  the  Burning  Seven,  vacant  the  place  of 
the  Wan  Planet,  and  lost  forever  the  bright  con 
stellation  that  madly  plunged  to  outer  darkness, 
sharing  the  doom  of  the  fallen  Star  Spirits. 

Were  none  saved  ? 

Slowly,  fearfully,  I  turn  to  the  West ;  there,  high 
above  the  dusky  mountain,  like  a  smile  shining 
through  tears,  still  trembles  the  Evening  Star! 


1/4  SEOLA. 


THE   TEBAH  AND  ITS  INMATES. 

Sixth  Day. 

THE  first  day  of  my  new  life  is  made  memorable 
by  other  marvels. 

We  were  a'wakened  at  dawn  by  a  deep  roar  as 
of  a  wild  beast  coming  down  the  valley.  Hurry 
ing  to  the  door,  an  extraordinary  sight  met  our 
eyes.  A  large  lion  with  his  mate  stood  irresolute 
upon  the  bank  of  the  dry  river.  He  bent  his 
shaggy  head  to  the  earth,  smelling  the  ground  as 
if  he  perceived  something  unusual,  then  stopped 
abruptly,  looked  up  into  the  sky,  sniffed  the  air, 
roared  again,  and  ran  forward.  Frightened  by  his 
savage  mien,  we  all  hastily  retreated,  except  the 
Prophet,  who  went  out  to  meet  him.  The  fero 
cious  beast  crouched  low,  dragged  himself  upon 
the  ground  and  crept  close  to  the  master,  fawning 
and  rubbing  against  his  side.  The  Prophet  fon 
dled  the  lion  as  he  would  a  dog,  and  led  him  un 
resisting  through  the  door  to  a  narrow  stall  at  the 
farther  end  of  the  boat ;  his  mate  passively  fol 
lowed;  the  bar  was  raised,  and  they  were  made 


THE    TEBAH    AND    ITS    INMATES.  1/5 

secure.  This  event  was  so  significant  that  a  sol 
emn  silence  fell  upon  us ;  but  we  had  little  time 
to  consider  before  a  loud  bellow  was  heard,  and  a 
huge  elephant  with  his  mate  came  plunging  across 
the  plain,  throwing  his  trunk  in  the  air  and  sniff 
ing  in  fear  as  the  lion  had  done.  He  also  came 
near  and  suffered  himself  to  be  led  quietly  to  his 
quarters  ;  soon  a  frightened  stag  and  doe  peeped 
timidly  over  the  hill,  and,  after  surveying  our  party 
for  a  moment,  came  to  the  place  where  we  were 
standing  ;  two  beautiful  spotted  dogs  followed  them, 
but  looked  not  upon  the  game,  only  upward  at  the 
sky,  and  howled. 

And  now  the  valley  seemed  alive  with  animals, 
thronging  over  the  hills  and  swarming  from  the 
groves.  None  molested  another,  all  seemed  urged 
forward  by  the  instinct  that  danger  was  abroad  and 
safety  with  the  Prophet. 

The  sons  assiduously  aided  the  father,  and  with 
out  confusion  the  patient  brutes  were  bestowed  in 
the  places  assigned  them. 

Presently  the  familiar  note  of  a  wood -thrush 
caught  my  ear,  and,  looking  upward,  I  perceived  a 
tree  near  by  filled  with  feathered  songsters  and 
fowls  of  many  species.  With  the  enticement  of 


176  SEOLA. 

grain  scattered  upon  the  ground  they  followed  us, 
and  were  easily  settled  in  their  new  home. 

Meantime  a  crowd  of  idlers  had  gathered  to  wit 
ness  this  extraordinary  scene  ;  some,  jeering  the 
Prophet,  inquired  why  he  had  concealed  his  magic 
under  the  pretence  of  piety,  and  defied  him  to 
frighten  them  by  this  exhibition  of  his  art. 

Some  endeavored  to  drive  back  the  animals,  but 
were  repulsed  by  angry  growls,  or  a  snap  of  the 
teeth  too  fierce  to  be  again  invited.  Some  looked 
on  stupidly,  while  the  more  thoughtful  seemed  puz 
zled,  and  said,  — 

"  What  means  this  unnatural  course  of  the  wild 
animals  ?  They  sniff  the  air  as  if  in  fear,  and  quietly 
submit  themselves  to  be  imprisoned  in  this  strange 
building,  which  appears  prophetically  arranged  for 
their  reception.  Is  it  possible  the  mad  Prophet  has 
told  the  truth  ?  " 

"  You  speak  folly,"  said  another  ;  "  wonders  will 
never  cease  while  the  world  stands :  these  animals 
are  governed  by  some  law  with  which  we  are  unac 
quainted  ;  our  sages  must  be  consulted." 

"  Let  us  not  forestall  trouble,"  said  another;  "be 
lieve  in  danger  when  it  appears.  The  end  comes 
soon  enough.  How  hot  the  day  grows  ! " 


THE    TEBAH    AND    ITS    INMATES. 

Indeed,  the  heat  had  become  intense,  and  after 
the  hold  of  the  vessel  was  full,  we  ceased  from  re 
ceiving  the  animals  and  sought  refreshment  and 
repose. 

Toward  evening  Japhet  took  me  to  examine  this 
marvellous  building.  The  beasts,  dull  and  sleepy, 
gave  little  heed  to  our  coming,  though  sometimes 
they  started  and  uttered  a  cry  of  fear.  Their  quar 
ters  are  divided  from  those  of  the  family  by  a  thick 
wall  that  excludes  all  sound,  and  is  arranged  to 
admit  a  sufficiency  of  fresh  air.  Food  and  drink 
are  in  abundant  store  ;  but,  being  closely  confined 
and  quiet,  it  is  thought  they  will  require  little  care. 

One  hundred  and  twenty  years  was  the  Tebah  in 
building  as  planned  by  Divine  Wisdom.  It  was 
begun  by  workmen  who,  while  they  despised  the 
architect,  were  willing  to  receive  his  wages,  for  the 
Prophet  has  always  prospered  in  affairs,  and  is 
exceeding  rich.  As  the  sons  grew  in  strength  they 
assisted  the  father,  and  the  finishing  was  accom 
plished  by  themselves  alone.  Thus  have  they  be 
come  vigorous,  self-reliant,  brave. 

During  all  these  years  the  comfort  and  conven 
ience  of  the  family  have  been  made  a  study;  nothing 
has  been  forgotten.  My  own  little  room  is  beau- 


1/8  SEOLA. 

tiful.  I  dare  not  write  the  loving  words  of  my 
husband,  as  we  sit  together  in  this  elegant  apart 
ment,  which  is  really  fit  for  a  queen. 

We  are  now  fairly  established  in  our  new  habi 
tation  ;  a  mixed,  incongruous  family.  One  God 
hath  made  us  all,  and  he  will  control. 

I  hear  voices  of  men  and  Darvands  under  the 
window ;  they  bring  a  terrible  rumor.  The  Ser 
pents  of  the  Lake  are  loose !  The  disappearance 
of  water  in  the  valley  extends  to  their  lair  under 
the  mountain  ;  maddened  by  thirst  and  the  sultri 
ness  of  the  air,  they  have  burst  the  barriers,  and 
are  now  ravaging  the  country.  The  speakers  with 
out  crouch  under  the  shadow  of  the  Tebah,  greatly 
terrified;  their  words  are  frightful, — they  curse  the 
heated  air  and  failing  wells,  they  curse  the  Devas 
for  their  continued  absence,  they  curse  themselves 
and  God. 


THE    DREAM     INTERPRETED. 


THE  DREAM  INTERPRETED. 

AGAIN  we  are  warned  that  the  time  is  at  hand. 
This  morning  being  the  fourth  since  the  family 
entered  the  Tebah,  the  Prophet  arose  early  and 
went,  as  was  his  custom,  to  open  the  door.  It  re 
sisted  his  efforts,  and  he  called  in  haste  for  his 
sons  ;  but  their  united  strength  availed  not,  it  could 
not  be  unclosed. 

The  young  men  gazed  at  each  other  in  troubled 
surprise,  but  the  father  comforted  them,  saying,  — 

"  Be  not  dismayed,  O  my  sons,  and  let  not  anx 
ious  thoughts  arise  in  your  hearts ;  the  hand  of  God 
is  in  this  thing  ;  for  life  or  death  we  are  imprisoned. 
His  righteous  will  be  done." 

After  the  morning  repast  and  a  sacrifice  of  un 
usual  solemnity,  we  sat  for  a  long  time  in  silent 
meditation.  The  language  I  heard  in  my  dream 
at  the  Palace  of  Light  constantly  came  into  my 
mind  :  "  When  the  tide  turns"  At  length  I  could 
keep  silence  no  longer,  and  spoke :  — 

"O  Prophet  of  God,  before  the  death  of  my 
mother  I  was  on  a  certain  night  wrapped  in  pro- 


ISO  SEOLA. 

found  slumber;  then  saw  I,  as  in  a  vision,  by  the 
bedside  of  Lebuda  two  dread  spectres  disputing 
the  possession  of  her  body.  At  length  they  agreed, 
saying,  '  We  will  share  her  between  us  when  the 
tide  turns'  Canst  thou  interpret  the  dream ? " 

After  regarding  me  steadfastly  he  answered,  — 

"  God  hath  sent  into  thy  soul  a  ray  of  divine 
knowledge  ;  cherish  the  gift,  my  daughter,  so  wilt 
thou  become  a  prophetess  of  the  Lord." 

He  then  continued,  addressing  the  family, — 

"  It  is  given  me  to  interpret  the  words  of  Seola's 
dream.  Let  not  their  terrible  significance  alarm 
you.  God  hath  spoken,  and  nature  obeys  his  voice. 

"The  earth,  which  has  been  for  many  days  slowly 
sinking,  is  pressed  outward  under  the  bed  of  ocean ; 
the  fountains  of  the  great  deep  are  broken  up,  the 
waters  rise,  they  swell  upon  the  ocean's  brim,  the 
flood-gates  burst,  and  the  '  tide  turns ' ;  the  sea  flows 
away  from  its  old  fountain,  and  creeps  into  the 
basin  which  is  forming  to  receive  it. 

"  At  the  hour  of  Lebuda's  death  the  tide  turned. 

"  As  the  earth  continues  to  sink,  it  creeps  nearer 
and  yet  more  near ;  soon  will  the  valley  of  Sippara 
and  the  realms  of  all  the  Devas  be  naught  but 
the  bed  of  a  great  sea,  upon  which,  by  the  mercy 


THE    DREAM    INTERPRETED.  l8l 

of  God,  we  shall  ride  in  safety.  The  multitudes 
I  have  warned  in  vain  ;  they  must  die.  God  have 
mercy  on  their  souls  ! " 

He  paused  a  moment :  "  Hark !  the  muttering 
thunder.  Even  now  the  tempest  gathers,  which 
shall  add  to  the  horrors  of  the  sea." 

Again  we  relapsed  into  silence,  unbroken  save 
by  the  moans  of  the  animals,  who  instinctively  feel 
the  coming  woe,  and  the  loud  complaints  of  the 
passers-by.  The  water  in  the  cisterns  is  almost  ex 
hausted,  and  suffering  from  the  drought  is  extreme. 

Four  moons  ago,  I  wrote  in  this  journal  my  fa 
ther's  words  :  "  Shut  out  of  the  world  in  this  lonely 
valley,  your  life  will  be  eventless."  Ah,  how  rapid 
has  been  the  march  of  events  !  But  I  cannot  stop 
to  review  the  past.  Though  all  nature  is  profoundly 
calm,  and  even  the  smoke  hangs  motionless  in  the 
silent  air,  I  feel  that  there  is  hurry,  hurry,  distract 
ing  haste,  pervading  everything.  I  hear  again  the 
voice  of  the  old  river  ;  it  ripples,  it  murmurs  no 
longer  ;  strange  waters  mingle  with  its  own,  they 
rise  and  swell,  they  surge  and  roar,  "  Desolation, 
destruction,  coming  !  coming  !  coming ! " 


l82  SEOLA. 


ASTROLOGY. 

WHEN  the  family  met  this  morning  it  was  ob 
served  that  the  usually  cheerful  face  of  our  brother 
Ham  was  anxious  and  careworn.  The  mother, 
keenly  alive  to  the  welfare  of  her  children,  inquired 
the  cause. 

"  I  have  been  engaged  all  night,"  said  the  astrol 
oger,  "in  watching  the  heavens.  Their  appearance 
is  extraordinary  and  alarming.  I  have  carefully 
consulted  the  records  of  Seth,  and  find  nothing 
similar.  Never  have  the  stars  been  in  like  posi 
tion,  and  they  were  two  drops  of  the  clepsydra  late 
in  rising  and  setting.  But  most  unnatural  of  all,  is 
the  disappearance  of  many  stars  and  of  the  great 
comet,  which  four  days  since  spread  its  vast  wings 
across  the  sky.  It  is  nowhere  to  be  seen." 

I  trembled,  as  the  vision  came  to  remembrance ; 
but  my  lips  were  sealed  and  I  made  no  sign. 

Then  answered  the  Prophet,  — 

"  The  disappearance  of  the  stars  is  indeed  un 
accountable,  but  I  understand  their  late  rising. 
It  is  caused  by  the  sinking  of  the  earth.  We 


ASTROLOGY.  183 

are  at  the  lowest  point.  Another  observation, 
and  we  shall  know  of  a  certainty  with  regard  to 
this  matter ;  it  must  be  done  to-night,  for  soon 
dense  vapors  settling  into  the  valley  will  blot 
out  the  lights  of  heaven.  But  thou  must  sleep, 
my  son,  lest  thy  strength  become  exhausted  before 
the  great  trial.  Rest  to-night,  and  I  will  keep  the 
watch." 

But  he  constrained  his  father,  saying,  — 

"  Nay,  I  cannot  sleep." 

Then  spake  the  mother, — 

"  Let  us  all  rest  through  the  day,  and  at  night 
keep  watch  together ;  surely  none  of  us  can  sleep." 

To  this  they  agreed.  The  heat  was  intense,  there 
was  little  labor  to  be  performed,  and  we  gladly  re 
signed  ourselves  to  the  forgetfulness  of  slumber. 


l84  SEOLA. 


WATCHING. 

AFTER  the  sun  went  down,  we  rose  and  prepared 
for  the  important  work  of  evening.  The  astrologer 
had  already  taken  note  of  the  sunset,  but  spake 
not ;  indeed,  the  tremendous  uncertainty  overshad 
owing  our  future  rendered  us  all  silent. 

The  moon  was  at  the  full,  and  the  moment  of  its 
rising  would  relieve  our  anxiety,  or  confirm  our 
fears  of  variation.  An  increasing  light  in  the  east 
gave  token  of  its  approach ;  forty  drops  of  the  clep 
sydra,  and  it  should  appear.  Forty  and  three  were 
marked  before  the  red  disk  peered  above  the  moun 
tain  crest. 

We  are  sinking  rapidly  ! 

"  The  flood-tide,"  said  the  Prophet,  "  will  soon  be 
upon  us.  Remote  portions  of  the  territory  are  al 
ready  under  water ;  escape  is  impossible.  Even  if 
the  Devas  should  return,  and  attempt  the  removal 
of  their  retinues  now  in  waiting  at  Sippara,  it  could 
not  be  accomplished  ;  the  flood  from  three  great 
seas  flows  inward,  they  would  be  met  on  every  side 
by  the  advancing  waters,  and  their  doom  hastened. 


WATCHING.  185 

In  a  few  hours  it  will  inevitably  reach  us  :  but  fear 
not,  my  children  ;  let  your  faith  in  God  be  strength 
ened  by  the  very  terrors  that  surround  us  ;  they  are 
but  a  fulfilment  of  his  word  given  for  our  safety." 

Notwithstanding  this  assurance,  all  looked  anx 
ious  and  fearful,  as  we  sat  by  the  window  and 
watched  the  blood-stained  moon  slowly  mount  the 
bronzed  heavens  ;  for  in  the  ominous  silence  we 
knew  an  implacable  sentry  held  ward,  one  that  the 
bravest  cannot  meet  without  terror,  even  Azreel, 
the  Angel  of  Death ! 


186  SEOLA. 


SUSPENSE. 

ALL  night  we  watched  the  heavens,  and  in  the 
morning  saw  the  sun  rise,  red  and  blazing,  above 
the  parched  valley.  Four  drops  from  the  clepsydra 
marked  his  increasing  tardiness  :  surely,  swiftly,  we 
are  sinking  ;  the  certainty  is  awful,  yet  why  should 
I  fear,  who  have  witnessed  the  power  of  the  SHAD 
OW  OF  His  HAND  ? 

As  day  advanced  the  heat  became  terrific  ;  we 
gasped  in  the  suffocating  air.  Sippara  lay  shimmer 
ing  in  the  glare,  silent  and  lifeless  as  a  city  of  the 
dead  ;  vegetation  withered  beneath  the  fervid  rays 
of  the  sun  ;  man  and  beast,  overpowered  by  the  sti 
fling  atmosphere,  forgot  in  the  misery  of  the  present 
moment  their  fear  for  the  future. 

As  the  dial  marked  midday,  there  came  a  deep 
rumble  and  a  shock,  followed  by  a  crash  and  a 
thick  cloud  of  dust  rising  above  the  Palace  of 
Light.  In  a  moment  the  city  was  alive  with  peo 
ple  roused  from  stupor  by  the  sudden  alarm.  The 
cause  was  soon  evident  :  as  the  dust  passed  away, 
we  discovered  that  the  south  tower  had  fallen,  car- 


SUSPENSE.  IS/ 

rying  with  it  a  large  portion  of  the  court  wall  and 
the  summer-house  in  the  garden,  burying  under  the 
wreck  many  poor  creatures  who  had  therein  sought 
shelter  from  the  scorching  heat 

Their  dismal  shrieks  and  groans  were  quickly 
silenced,  for  a  deep  fissure  opened  in  the  earth  be 
low  the  foundation,  and  the  entire  mass  —  stone, 
timber,  trees,  and  miserable  human  beings  —  was 
swallowed  in  a  fiery  chasm. 

Great  was  the  excitement  in  the  city.  The  alar 
ums  sounded ;  queens  and  proud  ladies  shrieked  from 
window  and  balcony ;  men  ran  wildly  to  and  fro. 
Above  the  din  could  be  heard  the  fiarsh  voices  of 
the  Darvands  calling  loudly  upon  their  celestial 
sires,  or  heaping  upon  them  curses  for  their  cow 
ardly  desertion.  But  the  intense  heat  soon  over 
powered  even  their  supernatural  endurance,  the 
shock  was  not  repeated,  and  silence  again  brooded 
over  the  scene. 

Sultry  and  hot  the  day  closed  in.  Exhausted  by 
the  vigils  of  the  night,  the  excitement,  and  the  sti 
fling  heat,  we  yielded  to  excessive  drowsiness  and 
sought  the  oblivion  of  slumber. 


188  SEOLA. 


THE  HOUR  OF  DOOM. 

SOON  after  midnight  I  was  wakened  by  a  sound 
in  the  air,  like  a  shriek  or  wail  passing  over  the  val 
ley  ;  afterward  came  short  sudden  gusts,  succeeded 
by  hollow  intervals  of  intense  calm.  Breathless  I 
listened  ;  all  was  confused,  inharmonious,  dissonant. 
The  Spirits  of  Air  seemed  to  be  in  revolt ;  high  in 
the  heavens  the  light  wind  and  hoarse  tempest 
strove  ;  there  were  voices  in  complaint,  —  moan 
ing,  angry  vociferation.  Beneath,  a  sullen,  far- 
off  roar  caused  the  earth  to  tremble.  I  covered 
my  head  to  shut  out  all  sense  and  compel  oblivion. 
In  vain  !  As  faint  dawn  glimmered  in  the  east, 
a  heavy  blast  swirled  down  from  the  north  with 
a  force  that  shook  our  building  and  chilled  us  to 
the  bone.  In  a  few  moments  came  a  hot  wind 
from  the  opposite  direction  ;  the  air  was  filled  with 
dust  and  at  the  same  time  an  unusual  dampness 
and  a  saline  odor. 

THE  HOUR  HAD  COME  ! 

Unconsciousness  of  the  awful  certainty  could  be 
no  longer  feigned.  "  O  Japhet,"  I  cried,  "  Azreel 


THE    HOUR    OF    DOOM.  189 

and  the  Prince  of  the  Power  of  Air  rage  above  the 
valley,  and  the  earth  shudders  at  the  unwonted 
tread  of  the  Monarch  of  Waters."  We  rose  hastily, 
—  the  family  were  already  assembled,  and  sat  in 
silence  with  bowed  heads  and  faces  covered. 

We  approached  the  broad  window  ;  one  glance 
upward,  and  we  shrank  aghast  from  the  appalling 
sky.  Around  the  cramped,  distorted  horizon  a 
lurid  haze  had  settled  ;  over  this  crawled  a  rack  of 
tawny  vapor,  and  high  above  was  a  dome  of  black 
clouds,  like  great  rocks  rolling  in  the  sky.  Yet  no 
wind  now  stirred  the  leaves,  a  painful  stillness  filled 
the  air. 

The  city  was  also  roused  ;  housetop  and  tower 
were  crowded  with  men  gazing  at  the  portentous 
heavens. 

Suddenly  the  bed  of  the  river  filled  with  water ; 
whence  it  came  none  could  discover.  The  people 
rushed  to  the  shore,  anxious  to  welcome  the  ele 
ment  of  which  they  had  so  long  been  deprived;  they 
dipped  vessels  in  the  stream  and  applied  them  to 
their  lips,  but  started  back  in  dismay,  crying, — 

"  The  water  is  salt !  Whence  comes  it  ?  There 
is  no  sea  near ! " 

One  moment  of  fearful  speculation,  and  by  a  com- 


IQO  SEOLA. 

mon  impulse  all  eyes  were  turned  to  the  north, 
whence  had  come  the  chill  blast  and  terrene  shudder. 

O  sight  of  terror,  before  which  even  the  heart  of 
a  Deva  must  quail !  Entirely  across  the  entrance 
of  the  valley,  crowding  the  very  mountain-tops,  ap 
peared  a  mighty  wall,  tottering,  crashing,  falling, 
pressed  forward  by  some  invisible  power. 

Upon  its  awful  front,  in  confusion  which  dazed 
the  sight,  were  borne  trees  and  timber,  fragments 
of  buildings,  earth,  rocks,  and  mutilated  bodies  of 
animals  and  creatures  of  the  sea ;  but  most  dread 
ful  of  all,  tossed  in  uncertain  motion,  were  the 
ghastly  corpses  of  dead  men  and  women.  Beyond 
and  above,  heaped  against  the  lowering  sky,  were 
seen  on-coming,  cold,  angry  seas,  raging  breakers, 
monster  water-spouts  clutching  the  clouds  and 
roaring  as  if  all  the  waters  of  the  world  were 
dashed  together  in  the  frenzy  of  destruction.  With 
piercing  shrieks  the  crowd  turned  to  flee,  but,  lo  ! 
another  horror, — another  flood  hung  above  the  city, 
borne  onward  from  the  south,  —  the  Oceans  of  Death 
were  closing  above  the  valley.  Paralyzed  with  de 
spair,  all  stood  motionless,  till  a  cry  arose, — 

"  To  the  hills,  to  the  hills  ! " 

Then  up  the  rocky  steep  they  rushed,  —  strong 


THE     HOUR    OF     DOOM.  19! 

men,  delicate  women,  and  confused  childhood,  panic- 
stricken  by  the  fear  of  imminent  death.  As  the 
mass  pressed  madly  on,  many  were  dashed  over  the 
rocks  and  fell  shrieking  into  the  gulf  below. 

Strange  power  of  the  human  mind !  Amid  the 
wild  unreality  of  that  tremendous  scene,  as  in  a 
picture  surrounded  by  most  terrible  accessories,  I 
saw  and  recognized  in  the  flying  crowd  some  of  the 
attendants  of  the  palace  and  other  royal  house 
holds.  One  group  impressed  itself  vividly  as  the 
lightning  flash  that  revealed  it, — a  beautiful  woman 
(her  dress  a  queen's),  with  an  infant  pressed  to  her 
snowy  bosom,  while  by  the  hand  she  led  a  child 
whose  strong  features  and  powerful  limbs  too 
surely  betrayed  celestial  parentage.  Her  hair  and 
garments  streamed  in  the  wind,  which  she  vainly 
strove  to  breast,  and  her  voice  of  despair  sounded 
shrill  above  the  roar  of  the  storm,  — 

"  Save  us,  Ob-ora,  save  us  !" 

Alas!  far  from  the  reach  of  Mildra's  voice,  in 
chains  and  darkness,  Ob-ora  lay,  waiting  the  last 
great  day  of  judgment. 

In  another  instant  all  sense  and  feeling  were 
absorbed  in  the  mortal  peril  that  assailed  ourselves. 
The  floods  rushed  together,  sky  and  ocean  min- 


192  SEOLA. 

gled,  the  writhing  vapors  were  torn  by  a  mighty 
force,  the  windows  of  heaven  opened,  and  an  inun 
dation  from  the  clouds  swelled  the  wild  waters 
surging  through  the  valley ;  sharp  electric  dis 
charges  split  the  heavy  vault,  the  dun  air  was 
whirled  into  a  tornado,  the  winds  shrieked  and 
howled  like  infuriate  demons,  twisting  and  tearing 
everything  in  their  course  as  with  a  visible  hand. 
To  increase  the  horrible  distraction  and  din,  im 
mense  flocks  of  birds  and  bats  of  every  species  were 
hurtled  through  the  darkening  air  into  the  greedy 
wave,  despite  helpless  screams  and  flutterings. 

And  now  approached  the  unimaginable  horror: 
an  earthquake  of  awful  violence  rocked  the  valley, 
one  moment  stretching  it  out  like  a  plain,  tossing 
the  wreck  to  the  very  clouds,  and  the  next  sinking 
it  so  deep  that  the  mountain-tops  seemed  about  to 
close  and  crush  us.  The  mighty  waves  in  quick 
succession  roared  above  the  hills,  and  anon  settled 
into  a  trough  of  inky  blackness,  The  fierce  an 
tagonism  of  fire  and  flood  ensued,  the  ribs  of  earth 
were  cracked,  its  crust  was  rent  asunder,  subter 
ranean  fires  belched  forth,  and  a  terrific  eruption 
of  hissing  water  and  melted  rock,  with  chaos  and 
thick  darkness,  shut  us  in. 


THE    HOUR    OF    DOOM.  IQ3 

The  avalanche  hung  over  us  for  a  breath,  and 
then  descended  ;  above  the  howling  of  the  storm, 
the  roaring  waters  and  bellowing  earthquake,  the 
awful  crash  was  heard.  The  vessel  staggered, 
heaved,  and  spun  round  in  the  boiling  maelstrom, 
like  a  dry  leaf  in  a  tempest. 

O  that  horrible  sickening  swirl ! 

Dizzy  and  stunned,  we  fell  prostrate,  the  color 
forsook  our  faces,  the  warm  current  of  life  was 
frozen,  our  hearts  ceased  to  beat,  we  were  within 
the  jaws  of  Death,  we  sank  in  the  abyss  Duyhak ! 
"Lost!  lost,  O  God!" 

How  do  I  live  to  write  these  words ! 

At  this  moment  of  direst  wrath,  with  a  mighty 
cry,  the  Prophet  uttered  a — Name.  Then  blinding 
light  dazzled  our  eyes,  a  black  shadow  passed  by,  for 
one  instant  there  was  silence  more  awful  than  the 
rage  of  the  elements  ;  but  even  as  the  hollow  rever 
beration  of  the  voice  died  away,  the  vessel  made  a 
tremendous  lurch,  plunged  completely  under  water, 
trembled  in  every  joint,  righted  again,  and,  crashing 
through  a  thousand  wrecks,  came  up  unharmed. 

"  God  be  praised  ! "  exclaimed  the  Prophet,  "  we 
are  afloat."  And  with  pale,  earnest  lips  we  echoed, 
"  God  be  praised  ! " 


194  SEOLA. 


PERIL  AND  GLOOM. 

OUR  danger  was  by  no  means  over  ;  the  torrents 
of  destruction  were  yet  contending  for  mastery  ;  at 
one  time  that  from  the  north  would  prevail,  and 
drive  us  almost  upon  the  remaining  towers  of  the 
city  ;  again  we  were  dashed  back  the  length  of  the 
valley  by  the  southern  wave.  Entangled  among 
wrecks  which  covered  the  mighty  surge,  the  tim 
bers  groaned  and  creaked  as  if  they  would  part ;  we 
could  feel  the  commotion  beneath,  as  we  were  help 
lessly  dragged  across  rocks,  tree-tops,  and  sub 
merged  buildings. 

But  our  vessel  was  planned  by  a  divine  architect, 
even  by  Him  who  sent  the  deluge,  and  knew  what 
would  be  required  in  this  hour  of  unexampled  peril : 
our  awkward  bark  lived  in  a  boiling  sea,  where  the 
stateliest  ship  would  have  been  shattered  to  frag 
ments. 

After  many  hours —  or  days,  we  knew  not  which 
—  of  convulsive  turmoil,  the  waters  in  a  measure 
subsided,  though  still  fearfully  agitated  and  rising 
rapidly  along  the  hillsides  ;  we  breathed  more  freely, 


PERIL    AND    GLOOM. 

and  the  Prophet  looked  after  the  frightened  beasts, 
from  whom  we  had  heard  nothing  but  occasional 
moans  of  pain. 

At  length,  with  half-averted  gaze  we  ventured  to 
approach  the  window.  O  vision  of  gloom !  The 
heavens  were  gathering  blackness,  and  heavy  masses 
of  cloud  were  driving  across  the  murky  sky.  Was 
it  day,  or  night  now  drawing  to  a  close  ?  The  lurid 
sun  (or  moon)  was  drowning  in  a  black  watery 
mist ;  its  sickly  light  revealed  but  too  well  the  hor 
ror  below.  We  were  drifting  near  a  mountain  of 
unfamiliar  outline,  whose  top  was  crowded  with  liv 
ing  beings  in  every  attitude  and  aspect  of  despair. 
Women  and  children  there  were  none ;  their  feeble 
natures  had  yielded  long  before  this  terrible  con 
summation  ;  but  men  and  Darvands,  animals,  birds, 
and  serpents,  were  clustered  in  indistinguishable 
confusion.  Some  sat  in  motionless  apathy,  with 
despairing  faces  upturned  to  the  pall-like  sky ;  some 
with  frantic  cries  and  outstretched  arms  wildly  im 
plored  our  aid ;  others  with  insane  laughter  sprang 
into  the  water,  in  desperate  attempts  to  reach  our 
vessel. 

But  shrieks  of  terror,  strangled  cries  of  the 
drowning  and  howl  of  the  beasts,  were  in  an  in- 


IQ6  SEOLA. 

stant  hushed,  as  the  struggling  orb  which  shed  its 
melancholy  ray  upon  the  scene  sank  below  the 
horizon,  and  sudden  darkness  swallowed  all ! 

The  vision  was  too  dreadful  for  human  endurance  ; 
we  fell  upon  the  floor  of  the  vessel  almost  as  lifeless 
as  the  bodies  floating  upon  the  surges  around  us. 

And  now  a  terrific  storm  arose ;  heaven  and 
earth  were  shaken  by  bursts  of  thunder  ;  incessant 
flashes  of  lightning  illumined  the  night ;  rain  came 
down  in  torrents,  and  we  could  hear  swollen  streams 
roaring  over  the  mountain  steeps. 

"  O  God,"  we  cried,  "  have  pity  upon  the  poor 
creatures  exposed  to  the  furious  elements !  Hear 
their  cries  for  mercy,  and  pardon  their  sins  even  at 
this  fearful  hour ! " 

Again  feeble  daylight  made  the  darkness  visible, 
and  again,  amid  tempest,  rain,  and  grim  shadows, 
thicker  darkness  shut  us  in. 

We  could  light  neither  lamps  nor  fires ;  we  were 
exhausted  by  fasting,  want  of  sleep,  and  continual 
effort  to  save  ourselves  from  bruises  as  the  vessel 
pitched  and  rolled  upon  the  waves ;  we  could 
scarcely  hear  our  own  voices  ;  our  faces  were  hag 
gard  ;  our  strength  failed  from  the  terrible  ten 
sion  ;  we  were  ready  to  die.  Again  and  again  had 


PERIL    AND    GLOOM.  197 

day  blackened  into  night  and  night  paled  into  day. 
Then  spake  the  Prophet :  — 

"  The  Ail-Powerful  has  preserved  us  from  the 
ravening  floods  when  we  were  utterly  helpless,  — 
forever  blessed  be  his  name !  —  but  he  does  not 
that  for  man  which  man  can  do  for  himself.  We 
are  perishing  from  want  of  food  and  sleep  ;  take  in 
your  hands  dried  fruit  and  cakes,  that  your  cour 
age  may  revive.  Afterwards  I  will  give  you  to 
drink  a  preparation  from  leaves  of  the  plant  re-Jiui 
and  seeds  of  the  pa-chest-el,  which  long  ago  I  pro 
vided  for  this  hour.  The  draught  will  cause  pro 
longed  sleep  and  forgetfulness,  and  after  many 
hours  you  will  awake  refreshed." 

We  ate  bread  and  drank  the  medicament,  then 
made  our  beds  secure,  and,  lying  down,  soon  fell 
into  sleep  and  pleasant  dreams. 


SEOLA. 


DRIFTING. 

How  long  we  slept  is  uncertain,  but  at  intervals 
I  was  dimly  conscious  that  we  were  beaten  about 
by  incoming  waves ;  although  the  thunder  and 
lightning  had  ceased,  the  wind  still  howled  in  the 
sky,  and  the  pitiless  rain  drove  in  great  sheets 
against  the  vessel  and  into  the  sea. 

Hunger  at  length  roused  us ;  the  water  was  quiet, 
save  for  long  dead  swells  struggling  with  the  cur 
rents  ;  we  built  fires,  dried  our  damp  garments,  and 
settled  ourselves  for  the  confinement. 

I  am  once  more  able  to  write  in  my  journal, 
though  how  to  date  this  record  I  am  uncertain  : 
sun,  moon,  and  stars  have  not  appeared  for  many 
days,  and  the  clepsydra  was  broken  in  that  terrific 
shock  when  the  seas  met. 


THE    CORONAL    OF    HESPERUS.  199 


THE  CORONAL  OF  HESPERUS. 

THE  rain  still  pours  in  torrents  from  the  leaden 
sky ;  a  black  mist  enshrouds  the  horizon.  To  dis 
pel  the  melancholy  which  is  settling  over  us,  we 
yesterday  assembled  in  the  mother's  apartment,  and 
I  read  from  the  writings  of  Aleemon  a  story  of 
olden  times, "  The  Love  of  Elbenat,  a  Star  Spirit,  for 
Carmala,  a  Princess  of  the  Kingdom  of  Nouphta." 
We  were  all  much  affected  by  the  great  trials  and 
virtue  of  the  princess,  unshaken  even  to  the  hour 
of  deliverance,  when  the  gate  of  death  closed  upon 
her  fair  form,  and  Elbenat  could  see  her  no  more. 

This  story  was  a  gift  from  my  father  when  I  was 
but  a  child.  Often  had  I  retired  to  the  recesses  of 
the  forest,  to  linger  over  the  scroll  and  dream  un 
disturbed  of  the  fortunes  of  Carmala. 

How  mysterious  then  seemed  the  love  of  a  Star 
Spirit  for  a  mortal  maiden  !  And  now  —  is  the 
mystery  solved  ?  Alas,  no  ! 

The  sadness  of  my  heart  increased,  and,  fearing 
some  word  or  look  might  betray  it,  I  presently 
withdrew  to  the  solitude  of  my  own  chamber. 


2OO  SEOLA. 

Here  I  looked  once  more  upon  the  memorials  of 
my  former  life,  —  the  treasures  and  parchments  of 
Aleemon,  the  shawl  and  robe  wrought  by  Lebuda's 
hand,  and  the  rare  utensils,  Simourga's  dying  gift. 

Where  are  the  departed  ones  ?  Their  bodies  lie 
beneath  the  waves :  do  their  spirits  also  rest,  or  wan 
der  in  some  far-off  realm  of  bliss  and  forgetfulness  ? 

And  Hesperus  — 

My  eyes  fell  upon  the  jewel-casket,  gift  of  the 
Star  Spirit,  which  poor  Elbeth  had  conveyed  from 
the  palace, — the  last  service  of  her  devoted  life.  It 
had  never  been  opened :  I  might  now  look  upon 
its  contents.  With  trembling  fingers  I  pressed  the 
spring.  It  unclosed  ;  a  soft  perfume  was  exhaled, 
and  a  light  vapor  passed  from  an  ivory  tablet  which 
bore  this  inscription, — 

Sigh  with  me,  Seola, 
Answer  sigh  by  sigh ; 
Drink  with  me,  Seola, 
The  cup  of  ecstasy. 

Love  with  me,  Seola; 
Then  shall  bliss  unknown, 
Born  of  seraph's  passion, 
Ever  be  thine  own. 

Reign  with  me,  Seola ; 
Sweet  soul,  do  not  fear; 
Crown  of  glory  waits  thee, 
Magnet  of  my  star. 


THE  CORONAL  OF  HESPERUS.      2OI 

I  raised  the  tablet,  and  beneath,  upon  a  silken 
cushion,  was  lying  a  diadem  of  rarest  beauty, — 
a  wreath  of  silver  lilies  exquisitely  wrought  and 
frosted  snowy  white ;  depending  from  the  slender 
filaments  were  quivering  pearls,  and  deep  in  the 
heart  of  each  delicate  flower  an  opal  glowed  like 
a  smothered  fire. 

Ah  Hesperus ! 

Tears  drop  from  my  eyes  upon  the  precious 
garland.  I  hear  the  footsteps  of  my  husband. 
Why  do  I  fear  that  he  will  find  me  weeping  ? 

He  looks  upon  my  grief  with  sad  surprise,  discov 
ers  the  casket,  divines  the  cause  of  my  tears,  rever 
ently  takes  the  glistening  crown  from  its  repose, 
places  it  upon  my  forehead,  saying, — 

"  Seola,  my  queen  !  " 

Dear  Japhet,  how  gently  didst  thou  remind  me 
that  henceforth  my  realm  must  be  only  where  thou 
art  king! 

After  a  few  moments  of  thoughtful  silence  my 
husband  spoke  again,  — 

"  Beloved,  your  life  before  the  happy  hour  when 
first  we  met  is  to  me  unknown." 

I  comprehended  his  reasonable  desire,  and  with 
out  reserve  confided  to  him  my  strange  history. 


2O2  SEOLA. 

At  which  he  marvelled  greatly  and  forgave  my 
tears,  embraced  me  tenderly,  and  in  return  for  such 
confidence  related  many  wonderful  events  of  his 
own  life,  particularly  an  adventure  that  once  be 
fell  him  when  lost  in  the  Enchanted  Mountains. 


JAPHET'S  ADVENTURE.  203 


JAPHET'S  ADVENTURE. 

"  You  well  know,  my  dear  Seola,  the  Prophet 
instructed  his  sons  in  everything  that  would 
strengthen  character  and  tend  to  a  virtuous  life ; 
but  as  we  approached  manhood,  a  great  fear  seized 
him  lest  we  should  yield  to  surrounding  temptation 
and  be  lost. 

"  Upon  one  occasion,  after  a  serious  exhortation, 
he  concluded  with  these  words  :  — 

" '  My  sons,  within  the  sealed  chamber  there  is  a 
shrine  whose  crystal  doors  close  upon  a  mystery 
which  has  been  preserved  in  our  family  for  many 
generations.  Being  divinely  instructed,  Adam  found 
in  the  depths  of  the  earth  a  spar  of  heteroclite  gems, 
which  by  some  peculiar  inhesion  could  gather  and 
concentrate  electric  rays  ;  with  these  gems  he  in 
wrought  upon  a  sapphire  of  extraordinary  size  and 
transparency  the  Name  of  Him  who,  dying,  will 
overcome  the  warder  of  the  tree  of  life  and  bring 
to  man  redemption.  This  mysterious  possession 
upon  the  day  of  his  departure  he  confided  to  Seth, 
and  thus  it  has  ever  been  transmitted  from  father 
to  son,  in  the  solemn  hour  of  dissolution. 


2O4  SEOLA. 

"  '  But  we  have  fallen  on  perilous  times  ;  a  great 
danger  threatens ;  and  I  am  warned  that  for  the 
preservation  of  my  sons  it  is  necessary  the  secret 
be  now  confided  to  them.  The  order  is  thus 
broken.  With  this  generation  the  miraculous  treas 
ure  will  disappear,  and,  although  not  lost  to  the 
children  of  men,  will  be  hidden  from  their  eyes,  till 
in  distant  ages  it  will  arise  like  a  star  and  become 
the  beacon-light  of  the  world. 

" '  To-day  I  shall  unveil  the  mystery  of  mysteries, 
forbidding  you  on  penalty  of  death  to  speak  while 
in  its  presence.  The  Name  you  will  behold  is  a 
spell  of  superhuman  power ;  it  controls  the  death  ele 
ment,  and  must  never  be  uttered  but  in  the  moment 
of  mortal  peril ;  and  remember,  O  my  sons,  if  in  the 
heart  of  him  who  speaks,  or  in  the  soul  of  him  who 
hears,  there  lurks  one  unforgiven  sin,  swift  and  sure 
destruction  will  inevitably  follow.' " 

As  I,  Seola,  listened  to  this  story,  musing  upon 
the  past,  there  came  to  remembrance  the  unknown 
words  spoken  to  Hesperus  in  the  council-chamber 
of  the  Tower, —  "  Command  Onda  and  Okba  twain 
and  twain,  the  mighty  El-kol-ah  and  Him  tmnamed, 
twain  and  one," — and  I  knew  that  Lucifer  had 
dealt  deceitfully,  hoping  thereby  to  destroy  him. 


JAPHET'S  ADVENTURE.  205 

Japhet  continued ;  — 

"  We  then  unbound  our  sandals,  washed  our  feet, 
veiled  our  faces,  and  awe-stricken  passed  into  the 
sacred  presence.  The  chamber  was  hung  with 
cloth  of  gold,  the  air  was  heavy  with  the  odor  of 
fragrant  gums ;  no  sunlight  could  penetrate,  but 
from  the  sapphire  shrine  streamed  forth  a  pale, 
unearthly  glow.  After  a  moment  of  prostration, 
the  Prophet  arose  and  in  profound  silence  rever 
ently  opened  the  doors ;  one  glimpse,  and  of  their 
own  impulse  they  closed  again  ;  but  in  that  brief 
interval  the  ineffable  word  had  stamped  itself  on 
heart  and  brain  in  letters  of  fire."  Japhet's  voice 
here  became  low  and  contemplative.  "Not  the 
fire  that  pains  and  sears,  but  that  which  warms, 
vitalizes,  illumines,  and  blesses. 

"  Dearest  Seola,  you  can  imagine  the  impres 
sion  made  upon  my  youthful  mind  ;  I  strove  to  be 
kept  pure,  that  I  might  be  worthy  to  speak  the 
word  of  awful  power.  You  shall  hear  what  af 
terward  befell,  but  to  none  other  have  I  related 
the  story  of  my  strange  adventure  in  the  En 
chanted  Mountains. 

"It  happened  upon  a  certain  day  that  I  went 
forth  alone,  driving  an  ass  which  was  to  bring 


2O6  SEOLA. 

home  light  timber  suitable  for   finishing  the   Te- 
bah. 

"  I  penetrated  deep  into  the  forest,  unconscious 
of  distance,  till  I  obtained  the  requisite  quantity.  I 
then  attempted  to  turn  the  head  of  the  animal 
homeward,  but  he  resisted  the  rein  and  trembled 
as  from  fright.  I  perceived  at  the  same  time  that 
we  were  at  the  foot  of  an  unknown  mountain, 
whereon  the  growth  and  surroundings  had  a  weird 
and  ghostly  look.  Sprays  of  blossoms  depending 
from  the  trees  appeared  like  outstretched  arms, 
vines  upon  the  earth  like  nets  spread  to  entangle 
the  feet,  and  from  every  rocky  point  gleamed  a 
phosphorescent  fire.  Day  was  declining,  and  as 
in  some  alarm  I  urged  the  frightened  brute,  I  heard 
youthful  voices,  and  discovered  two  beautiful  girls 
coming  down  the  steep  laden  with  wild-flowers. 
Surprised  at  the  sight  of  a  stranger,  they  stopped 
abruptly,  and  the  one  in  advance  stepped  upon  a 
rolling  stone  and  fell  forward  among  the  rocks. 
She  was  evidently  much  injured,  and  lay  motion 
less.  Her  companion  ran  toward  me,  exclaiming, 
1  Help !  help,  kind  stranger !  Sakontala  will  die.' 

"  Prompted  by  every  instinct  of  humanity,  I 
sprang  forward  and  raised  her.  'Whither  shall 
she  be  carried  ? ' 


JAPHET'S   ADVENTURE.  207 

"  'To  her  home  a  short  distance  beyond  the  moun 
tain.' 

"  The  young  girl  led  the  way,  and  I  followed  with 
my  helpless  burden.  How  beautiful  she  looked, 
lying  pale  and  faint  in  my  arms,  her  head  resting 
on  my  shoulder,  and  her  heart  fluttering  against 
my  breast ! " 

"What  was  the  girl  Sakontala  like?"  I  de 
manded  of  my  husband,  interrupting  the  story,  for 
my  own  heart  was  beating  strangely. 

"  Unlike  thee,  my  Seola,  as  the  witch-fire  of  the 
marsh  is  unlike  the  moon  at  its  full,"  said  Japhet, 
and  resumed :  — 

"  Intent  upon  my  charge,  I  did  not  observe  that 
the  path  led  into  the  depths  of  the  forest,  till  we 
reached  an  open  gate,  which  closed  against  our 
companion  as  we  passed  through,  leaving  us  alone. 
At  this  I  grew  uneasy,  but  could  not  return  till 
the  helpless  girl  was  in  a  place  of  safety.  At  a 
short  distance  appeared  a  lonely  building,  and 
thither  she  faintly  indicated  that  I  should  carry 
her.  Her  voice  was  tremulous  and  sweet,  and  in 
the  new  interest  awakened  by  its  tones  I  forgot  pru 
dence,  and,  passing  in  at  the  door,  laid  her  gently 
upon  a  couch.  The  place  seemed  without  inhabi- 


2O8  SEOLA. 

tant,  and,  much  bewildered,  I  said,  'Where  shall 
I  find  your  friends  ?  Can  I  do  aught  to  serve  you  ? ' 

"  Rising  with  more  ease  than  I  had  deemed  pos 
sible,  she  answered  :  '  Remain ;  I  have  no  friends, 
and  there  is  but  one  I  desire.  Beautiful  youth, 
you  are  not  unknown  to  me  ;  I  have  often  seen 
you  in  these  forests  ;  I  am  uninjured,  save  only 
the  wound  to  my  heart ;  the  fall  was  a  feint  to 
attract  your  attention,  to  awaken  your  interest.' 

"At  these  words  the  blood  rushed  hot  into  my 
face  and  retreated  as  rapidly  to  my  heart,  leaving 
me  cold  and  pale.  I  realized  my  danger ;  I  had 
crossed  the  boundaries  of  the  Enchanted  Land  of 
Simourga.  I  was  caught  in  the  toils  of  her  most 
fascinating  nymph.  She  saw  her  advantage,  knew 
escape  was  impossible;  she  felt  assured,  that  no 
virtue  was  proof  against  her  power,  but  seeing  dis 
pleasure  in  my  face  continued  to  dissemble.  Com 
ing  nearer,  she  said,  with  downcast  eyes  and  dep 
recating  voice, — 

" '  Forgive  my  stratagem  ;  beloved  youth,  grief 
and  chagrin  consume  me,  while  Japhet  frowns.' 

"  Then  said  I,  '  Is  deceit  so  fair  ? ' 

"  At  this  the  girl  burst  into  tears,  saying,  '  Love 
for  thee  taught  me  to  deceive.' 


JAPHET  S    ADVENTURE.  209 

"And  I  answered  coldly,  'Unsought  love,  and 
unrequited.' 

"  Then  in  an  agony  of  grief  she  threw  herself  at 
my  feet  and  would  have  clasped  them,  but  that 
moment  I  saw  the  curtain  move  gently  as  if  swayed 
by  the  wind.  I  parted  it,  and  sprang  out  quickly 
into  a  garden  below.  I  ran  along  the  winding  path, 
till  I  reached  a  cluster  of  trees  beneath  which  a  low 
fountain  bubbled  forth.  Heated  and  fatigued,  I 
dipped  my  hands  and  was  about  to  drink,  when, 
lo  !  the  water  became  red  like  blood.  As  I  turned 
again  to  flee,  a  soft  arm  detained  me,  and  a  tall 
woman,  who  must  have  come  from  the  rock  or 
fountain,  said, — 

"  '  Whither  wouldst  thou  fly,  O  youth  so  lithe  of 
limb,  so  fair  of  face  ?  Art  thou  athirst  and  weary  ? 
Come  with  me  to  the  Bower  of  All-Delight,  drink 
of  the  ageless  river,  rest  and  refresh  thyself,  and 
afterward  depart  in  peace.' 

"  With  that  a  troop  of  laughing  girls  surrounded 
me,  saying, — 

" '  Shall  our  Sakontala  sigh  in  vain  ?  For  many 
days  has  she  refused  the  company  of  lovers,  lan 
guishing  for  the  youth  of  the  forest  ;  and  will  she 
release  him  now  that  he  is  within  our  domain  ? , 


2IO  SEOLA. 

"  Dear  Seola,  I  was  helpless  as  they  led  me  to  a 
vast  chamber  hewn  in  the  mountain.  Its  ceiling 
was  supported  by  pillars  of  porphyry,  and  many 
lamps  lighted  walls  richly  emblazoned  with  ver 
milion  and  gold.  The  farther  extremity  of  the 
chamber  was  concealed  by  a  heavy  curtain,  and, 
relieved  against  the  gorgeous  folds,  stood  an  arbor 
of  golden  trees  whose  fruit  glowed  and  glistened 
like  rubies.  Beneath  these  gem-laden  boughs  stood 
the  high-priestess  of  Simourga,  the  world-renowned 
nymph,  Sakontala. 

"  How  transformed  since  the  moment  when  I 
saw  her  in  tears  at  my  feet ! 

"  The  white  garments  were  exchanged  for  robes 
of  scarlet  and  gold,  on  her  head  was  a  coronet  of 
gems,  and  in  her  hand  a  golden  censer.  How 
wonderfully  beautiful  in  the  light  of  a  thousand 
lamps  !  But  a  cold,  reproachful  air  possessed  those 
features,  so  recently  glowing  with  passionate  grief 
and  love.  By  her  side  stood  a  magnificent  Dar- 
vand,  but  she  gave  him  no  heed,  and  fixed  her  eyes 
upon  me  alone. 

"  Perceiving  that  I  remained  immovable,  she 
spoke :  — 

" '  Impassive  youth,  from  the  moment  you  strayed 


JAPHET S    ADVENTURE.  211 

into  this  domain  you  were  mine  ;  Simourga  yields 
throne  and  sceptre  to  Sakontala.  I  have  wrung 
secrets  from  earth  and  heaven.  I  can  weave  the 
mystic  threads  of  fate,  and  forecast  the  astral  des 
tiny  of  man.  By  these  powers  I  know  thee  mine. 
From  plants  that  seek  the  shade  I  mix  a  draught 
that  will  inspire  love  or  aversion.  Thus  I  can  hold 
thee  mine.  In  this  magic  censer,  which  no  other 
hand  can  wield,  is  imprisoned  a  subtle  fluid,  which, 
according  to  my  will,  produces  sleep  or  deadly  leth 
argy,  bestows  renewed  life  and  power  of  delight  or 
chills  with  torpor.  By  this  thou  art  irrevocably 
mine ;  but  I  would  hold  thee  in  silken  cords,  not 
iron  chains. 

" '  Choose  then,  O  Son  of  the  Prophet,  life  and 
happiness  as  the  beloved  lord  of  Sakontala,  or  — ' 

"  The  words  '  Son  of  the  Prophet '  recalled  my 
scattered  senses,  and  without  giving  the  enchant 
ress  time  to  complete  the  sentence,  I  finished  it, 
exclaiming  in  a  loud  voice,  '  I  take  the  alternative, 
—  Death  ! ' 

"A  spasm  of  wrath  and  implacable  hate  passed 
over  the  face  of  Sakontala ;  she  dashed  the  censer 
to  the  pavement ;  it  flew  into  a  thousand  pieces ; 
flames  burst  forth,  and  a  stifling  vapor  pervaded  the 


212  SEOLA. 

air.  At  the  same  instant  the  curtain  behind  the 
golden  arbor  was  withdrawn,  and  upon  an  ebon 
throne  I  beheld  the  King  of  Terrors  with  lifted 
hand  and  venomed  dart  ready  to  pierce  me  through, 
while  from  beneath  his  feet  uprose  a  hissing  ser 
pent,  coiling  his  body  for  a  spring. 

"  My  doom  was  pronounced,  my  senses  failed,  I 
resigned  my  spirit  to  God ;  but  in  the  giddy  rush  of 
thought,  like  a  meteor's  flash  came  the  remembrance 
of  the  enshrined  Name,  and,  though  trembling  in 
every  nerve,  I  cried  out,  calling  upon  Him  that  hath 
power  over  Death. 

"  Seola,  you  have  heard  the  Name." 

"  That  which  the  Prophet  spake  when  the  Tebah 
was  in  the  abyss  of  waters  ? " 

"  The  same  ! "  Japhet  continued  with  a  shudder : 
"In  an  instant  a  cross  of  dazzling  flame  whirled 
through  the  air,  and  in  the  fire — O  fearful  sight! 
—  appeared,  stark  and  stony,  the  face  of  a  man, 
the  face  of  an  ox,  the  face  of  an  eagle,  and  the 
face  of  a  lion. 

"  Then  deep  thunder  crashed  through  the  hollow 
vault ;  the  serpent  recoiled  upon  the  image,  whose 
great  eyeballs  rolled  backward  in  their  sockets  as 
it  tottered  into  a  pit  foul  with  the  dead  ;  the  dart 


JAPHET  S    ADVENTURE.  213 

took  fire  and  fell  upon  Sakontala ;  the  thousand 
lamps  burned  green  and  blue,  and  flickered  up 
ward  as  if  about  to  expire ;  the  figures  standing 
around,  in  the  unnatural  glare,  appeared  like  livid 
corpses,  and,  shrieking  wildly,  fled  away,  driven  by 
the  blast  of  fire ;  the  lights  sank,  and  I  was  left  in 
darkness  alone.  As  I  stood  irresolute,  not  know 
ing  what  course  to  take,  I  felt  a  dead  blow  upon 
my  bosom  which  nearly  deprived  me  of  breath  ; 
turning  in  the  direction  from  whence  it  came,  I 
saw  a  faint  glimmer  at  a  great  distance.  Toward 
this  I  groped  my  way  through  a  narrow  ascending 
passage,  till  I  perceived  the  light  of  day  coming 
through  the  crevice  of  a  door.  Here,  to  my  great 
surprise,  I  found  myself  at  the  wall  of  the  Palace 
of  Light,  and  recognized  the  door  to  be  a  carved 
panel  in  the  foundation,  which  had  often  attracted 
my  attention. 

"Day  was  just  breaking.  I  had  been  all  night 
in  the  cavern  of  the  enchantress.  It  was  the 
quiet  hour,  and,  devoutly  thanking  God,  I  hastened 
home  unobserved,  sought  the  retirement  of  my  own 
room,  and,  thoroughly  exhausted,  sank  upon  the 
bed. 

"  When  the  family  rose,  my  mother  came  to  the 


214  SEOLA. 

chamber  and  regarded  me  earnestly  with  an  in 
quiring  look. 

"  I  divined  her  thought,  and  answered  it,  saying, 
'God  was  with  me.' 

"  She  replied,  '  Sleep  in  peace,'  and,  kissing  my 
forehead,  withdrew. 

"  I  slept  long,  and  when  I  rose  and  was  refreshing 
myself  with  a  bath  I  became  conscious  of  an  un 
usual  sensation  upon  my  left  breast,  just  where  the 
dead  blow  in  the  darkness  had  fallen.  Upon  exam 
ination  I  could  discern  letters  of  unknown  form,  but 
as  they  were  directly  beneath  my  eyes  I  did  not 
attempt  to  decipher  them.  To  this  hour  they  re 
main  unread,  for  I  hesitate  to  discover  the  writing 
to  my  friends  who  know  nothing  of  the  adventure. 

"  But  thou,  Seola,  soul  of  my  soul,  from  thee  I 
would  conceal  naught ;  thou  art  skilled  in  ancient 
lore ;  dost  thou  fear  to  look  upon  this  unknown  in 
scription  ? " 

In  much  agitation  I  answered,  "  I  have  no  fear, 
O  my  husband." 

Then  Japhet  drew  back  the  folds  of  his  vest 
ment,  and  directly  over  his  heart,  in  characters 
illegible  to  aught  but  the  prophetic  eye,  I  saw  a 
strange  symbol  which  I  slowly  interpreted. 


JAPHET  S    ADVENTURE. 


215 


//o    stain    o/  base  deceit 
or    thought    impure 


As  I  read  these  words,  a  great  admiration  and 
awe  came  over  me.  O  miracle  of  mercy !  There 
was  no  dross  in  thy  pure  soul ;  my  lord  still  lives,  yet 
bears  upon  his  heart  the  brand  of  Him  who  hath 
power  over  Death  ! 


2l6  SEOLA. 


AGAIN  THE  TIDE  TURNS. 

EVENING.  Still  the  rain  pours ;  its  ceaseless 
patter  fatigues  the  sense.  We  cannot  mark  the 
hours,  we  know  not  how  many  days  have  passed 
since  the  storm  began,  for  neither  sun,  moon,  nor 
stars  have  appeared  since  the  night  of  our  melan 
choly  watch,  when  we  discovered  by  a  changing 
horizon  that  the  earth  was  sinking.  The  water- 
currents  are  growing  sluggish,  but  they  still  turn 
inward,  swirling  with  inconstant  motion. 

MIDNIGHT.  The  astrologers  have  just  obtained  a 
glimpse  of  the  moon  wading  in  the  thick  vapors. 
From  its  position  and  form,  they  calculate  that 
one  entire  change  and  one  quarter  have  passed 
since  it  was  last  in  view ;  thus  we  know  that  this 
is  the  thirty- seventh  day  of  our  voyage.  The  black 
days  were  more  than  we  realized,  and  our  subse 
quent  sleep  was  unnaturally  prolonged. 

Three  other  monotonous  days  passed.  During 
this  time  our  vessel  lay  like  a  log  upon  the  water, 


AGAIN   THE     TIDE    TURNS. 

which  sank  to  a  dead  calm.  Our  spirits  were 
heavy,  the  tone  of  our  thought  gray  like  the  sky 
and  sea ;  we  spake  little,  and  the  hours  went 
tediously  by. 

Yesterday,  as  night  came  on,  the  wearisome  sound 
of  rain  ceased,  and  just  as  the  sunset,  its  light,  like 
a  new  glory,  streamed  for  a  moment  over  the  wa 
ters.  We  welcomed  its  return,  and  rejoiced  in  the 
life-giving  beams. 

For  some  hours  the  dead  calm  continued,  the  sea 
was  like  a  mirror ;  but  about  midnight,  under  the 
light  of  the  full  moon,  we  discovered  a  reversed 
motion  of  the  currents :  they  were  gently  flowing 
outward  toward  the  ocean  beds !  This  we  be 
held  with  joy,  for  we  knew  that  the  water  was 
returning  from  off  the  face  of  the  earth.  Again 
the  tide  turns  ! 

The  sky,  so  long  scowling  and  tempest-tossed, 
was  once  more  calm ;  the  tranquil  moon  looked 
down  upon  the  rippling  waves  ;  but  there  —  O 
woful  sight !  —  were  seen  swollen  and  disfigured 
bodies  of  the  drowned  swaying  in  the  tide ;  pale 
corpses  floating,  floating  far  out  into  the  solemn 
sea  ;  no  sign  of  life,  no  sound,  no  motion,  save  when 
some  frightful  monster  with  quick  splash  rose  out 


2l8  SEOLA. 

of  the  water  and  sprung  forward  to  seize  his  unre 
sisting  prey. 

The  moon  set ;  in  silent  thought  we  passed  the 
darkened  hours,  and  when  the  sun  in  all  his  glory 
rose  out  of  the  sea,  we  joined  the  Prophet  in  devout 
prayer  and  sacrifice. 


THE    STAR    AND    AZREEL. 


THE  STAR  AND  AZREEL. 


THIS  evening  I  stood  alone  and  watched  the 
waves,  as  in  capricious  play  with  the  wind  and 
tide  they  rippled  against  the  sides  of  the  vessel. 

Twilight  brooded. over  the  boundless  ocean, —  a 
sea  where  naught  hath  breath,  no  cities  are  on 
its  shore,  no  islands  on  its  bosom,  no  ships  plough 
ing  the  waves  nor  birds  skimming  the  surface, 
only  the  peaceful  sea  and  silent  air. 

The  Tebah  drifted  in  the  breeze,  the  night  deep 
ened,  and  a  shadow  fell  upon  my  soul  as  the  past 
rose  at  memory's  call. 

It  was  but  a  few  days,  and  yet  it  seemed  an  age 
since  I  listened  to  the  wind  in  the  cypress-tops,  and 
to  the  voice  of  the  river  flowing  on,  calm  as  the  cur 
rent  of  my  young  life.  Ah,  what  unsuspected  depths 
of  passion,  what  unimagined  strength  of  will,  then 
awaited  the  tempest  of  fate  !  God  only  knows  the 
struggle.  His  power  was  my  salvation.  The  trial 


220  SEOLA. 

passed  with  more  than  triumph,  yet  gentle  peace 
hath  flown. 

Why  sinks  my  heart  with  nameless  grief?  Why 
are  mine  eyelids  heavy  with  unshed  tears  ? 

O  star  of  sad  and  tender  light,  over  the  sullen 
wave  will  thy  assuring  beam  ever  come  back  to 
me? 

Then  through  the  chambers  of  the  soul  there 
swept  subtlest  strains  of  music,  the  aroma  of  song. 
There  was  no  outward  sound,  for  still  I  heard  the 
plash  of  wave  and  the  breath  of  wind.  It  seemed 
an  echo,  or  a  chord  responsive  of  my  inner  life, 
answering  a  spirit  voice. 

And  as  I  lifted  mine  eyes  inquiringly,  behold  a 
star  in  the  west,  sinking  into  the  waters  of  the  sea, 
and  on  its  slant  and  setting  beams  was  borne  the 
spirit  song.  But  when  I  would  have  cried  out,  the 
light  was  hidden,  and  a  dark  object,  as  it  were  the 
image  of  a  man,  obscured  the  sight.  Had  any  one 
of  mortal  mould  outlived  the  awful  storm  ? 

Upon  a  rock  projecting  from  the  water  stood 
motionless  a  tall  figure  enshrouded  in  black  robes, 
leaning  upon  a  heavy  sword,  and  as  we  floated  near 
I  recognized  the  dread  form  of  Azreel,  the  Dark 
Angel ! 


THE    STAR    AND    AZREEL.  221 

Death  stood  between  me  and  my  joy  ! 

His  eye  swept  slowly  over  the  waste  of  waters, 
and  I  heard  these  words  :  — 

"  The  work  is  finished,  the  decrees  of  the  Most 
High  are  fulfilled,  and  I  go  to  Him  from  whom  I 
came." 

So  saying,  he  loosened  his  black  cowl  and  man 
tle,  and  cast  them  with  the  dagger  into  the  sea ;  for 
the  insignia  of  pain  and  woe  are  not  permitted  to 
enter  the  bowers  of  heavenly  bliss. 

As  he  soared  upward,  there  was  revealed  a  form 
so  ineffably  fair,  a  face  so  radiant  with  the  promise 
of  eternal  youth,  that  in  sudden  surprise,  scarcely 
conscious  of  the  meaning,  I  murmured  :  — 

"  O  beautiful  Death,  no  longer  disguised,  I  see 
thee  as  thou  art,  the  angel  of  Immortality  !  Leave 
not  the  world  so  soon;  I  would  ascend  with  thee  to 
God!" 

At  this  moment  a  hand  was  laid  upon  my  shoul 
der,  and  a  voice  spoke  softly,  "  Dost  thou  dream, 
Seola  ?  "  I  turned  toward  the  speaker  :  my  eyes 
met  those  of  Japhet;  his  arms  enfolded  me,  and  — 
I  forgot  Azreel  and  heaven. 


222  SEOLA. 


SIPPARA  UNDER  THE  SEA. 

THE  sea  is  evidently  retreating,  the  outline  of 
mountains  is  sometimes  visible.  To-day  we  drifted 
over  the  valley  of  Hermon,  and  saw  beneath  the 
sinking  waters  Sippara  under  the  sea.  How  silent 
now  the  place  late  so  full  of  business  and  revelry  ! 
Alas,  alas,  for  the  Glory  of  the  Earth,  desolate 
City  of  Sin  ! 

The  sun  sends  down  his  trembling  beams  upon  a 
heap  of  ruins  once  proudly  called  the  Palace  of 
Light,  —  upon  deserted  court  and  battlement ;  on 
tower  and  pinnacle,  statue  and  fountain,  yellow 
and  distorted  in  the  ebbing  tide.  The  many-hued 
banners,  which  floated  gayly  in  the  breeze,  cling 
colorless  and  begrimed  against  their  mouldering 
standards  ;  sea-weed  is  tangled  in  the  boughs  of 
shade-trees  ;  the  flower-stalk  droops  in  dull  decay, 
its  leaves  stripped  from  the  stem  ;  driftwood  and 
gravel  are  lodged  against  the  glorious  images  in 
grove  and  garden  ;  fishes  turn  aside  from  the  obe 
lisks  dank  with  sea-mould,  and  dragons  of  the  deep 


SIPPARA    UNDER    THE    SEA.  223 

start  in  quick  fear  from  the  shattered  form  of  the 
revolving  serpent,  more  hideous  even  in  ruin  than 
themselves. 

Is  this  dim,  defiled  heap  the  golden  throne  where 
late  were  seen  the  forms  of  Lucifer  and  his  peerless 
queen  bathed  in  celestial  radiance,  gems  and  sun 
light  blending,  while  from  the  astonished  crowd 
shouts  of  impious  adulation  ascended  to  the  skies  ? 

O  melancholy  satire,  mournful  taunt !  Here 
writhes  in  sluggish  ferocity  the  Terror  of  the  Sea ; 
his  abhorrent  arms  clutch  both  jewelled  frieze  and 
gilded  pediment ;  his  protruding  eyes  stare  into  the 
muddy  court  below,  where  sink  livid  bodies,  fit  prey 
for  his  cruel  beak  and  insatiate  maw. 

Through  tessellated  walks  where  fond  lovers 
strayed,  glide  eels  and  water-snakes  ;  and  in  the 
royal  avenue  where  chariots  rumbled  and  horses 
neighed,  sidles  and  crawls  with  limping  gait  a  name 
less  horror.  Slimy,  shapeless  creatures  squeeze 
themselves  through  lattice  windows,  and  drag  their 
loathsome  bodies  across  silken  couches,  where  erst 
the  Deva  embraced  his  beautiful  bride  ;  crawfish 
lodge  in  carved  ceilings  ;  the  slug  and  snail  nestle 
undisturbed  in  plumed  canopies  ;  the  starfish  and 
tube-worm  repose  in  crystal  vases  ;  the  anemone 


224  SEOLA. 

unfolds  its  vital  leaves ;  and  in  the  bath  of  pearl 
a  sea-spider  weaves  his  shroud  of  lace. 

Deep,  deep  beneath  the  pitiless  wave  master  and 
slave  rest  together, — the  murderous  giant  and  inno 
cent  babe,  the  haughty  queen  beside  the  shrivelled 
beggar  ;  nor  pride  nor  scorn  nor  pleasure  nor  an 
guish  stirs  now  their  pulseless  hearts. 

By  the  dreadful  lake  of  sacrifice  the  Ogmyrs  lie, 
and  the  serpents  they  nourished  with  blood  of 
slaughtered  victims  refrain  not  to  fatten  upon  their 
bodies  and  bite  the  hand  that  fed  them. 

Surely  the  feet  of  retribution  haste  not  for  man's 
impatience  nor  falter  for  his  despair  !  Yet  I  could 
weep  for  thee,  Sippara,  beautiful  City  of  Sin ! 


THE   GLORY   OF   THE  JAPHETIC   TRIBES.      225 


SEOLA  FORETELLS  THE  GLORY  OF 
THE  JAPHETIC  TRIBES. 

Fourth  Moon. 

SINCE  the  night  of  the  departure  of  Azreel  from 
the  earth,  Japhet  seldom  leaves  me  alone.  He  saw 
not  the  angel,  but  my  words  alarmed  him  ;  and  so 
it  happened  that  when  I  came  this  evening  to  enjoy 
the  fading  light  he  came  also  and  sat  by  my  side. 

After  so  many  days  of  darkness  and  storm,  how 
glorious  was  the  sun  as  he  sank  into  the  waste  of 
waters,  leaving  a  glittering  track  stretched  endlessly 
away  to  his  place  of  rest ! 

Presently  my  companion  spoke,  while  a  far-off 
look  came  into  his  beautiful  eyes  :  — 

"  Seola,  I  have  a  peculiar  love  for  the  sunset ;  I 
often  wonder  what  land  it  looks  upon  as  it  passes 
from  sight ;  in  the  west  there  is  some  attraction 
which  I  cannot  resist ;  my  eyes  turn  thither  and 
my  heart  follows.  What  think  you,  my  beloved  ? " 

"  Japhet,"  I  answered,  "  I  can  interpret  your  feel 
ing  ;  the  same  comes  often  to  myself :  ah,  how 
vividly  at  this  moment ! " 


226  SEOLA. 

Though  the  warm  blood  suffused  my  face  and 
bosom  as  I  spoke,  the  words  faltered  not :  — 

"  My  husband,  thou  art  rightly  called  Exten 
sion  :  thy  children  and  mine  will  ever  journey  to 
the  west ;  our  hearts  do  but  precede  their  foot 
steps. 

"A  divine  breath  scatters  the  dull  cloud  that  veils 
futurity,  and  through  the  rifts  I  see  the  majestic 
but  awful  pageant  of  human  life  move  down  the 
path  of  Time,  —  onward,  onward,  resting  never,  — 
merged  in  the  ocean  of  Infinity !  * 

"  Noblest  of  all,  the  sons  of  Japhet  lead  the  van, 
—  the  men  are  stern  and  brave,  the  women  chaste 
and  fair,  —  with  delicate  bloom,  with  golden  locks 
and  eyes  of  heavenly  blue,  Lebuda's  heritage  be 
stowed  by  northern  skies. 

"  The  little  band  grows  strong  ;  now  it  becomes  a 
tribe,  a  host,  yea,  mighty  nations.  Like  a  whirl 
wind  they  sweep  from  the  north  ;  the  men  of  war 
ride  upon  horses,  they  fill  the  plain  !  Alas,  they 
strive,  —  the  brothers  join  in  deadly  fight,  —  I  hear 
the  noise  of  battle,  the  thunder  of  enginery,  —  IRAN, 
TURAN,  blazoned  on  hostile  banners.  Over  Turan 
I  see  the  deadly  sign,  —  alas,  that  son  of  mine 
should  raise  the  serpent's  crest !  It  falls,  the  ser- 


THE   GLORY   OF   THE  JAPHETIC   TRIBES.      22/ 

pent  bites  the  dust,  and  high  toward  heaven  mount 
Iran's  sacred  flames ! 

"  Westward  they  press,  to  a  land  of  hills  and 
valleys,  lakes  and  streams ;  they  fell  forests  and 
level  mountains,  they  uncover  the  hidden  treasures 
of  earth  ;  waste  places  bloom  like  a  garden,  cities 
are  founded,  towers  and  pinnacles  gleam  in  the 
morning  light,  palaces  rise,  temples  point  up  to 
heaven,  and  Plenty  smiles  and  Order  rules  the 
land. 

"  Kings  and  queens  ride  forth  in  martial  array, 
with  banner,  lance,  and  waving  plume  ;  their  armor 
glistens  in  the  sun  ;  the  trumpets  sound,  the  hosts 
of  darkness  fly,  —  the  sons  of  Japhet  conquer. 

"  Westward  still  they  press,  whither  the  bright 
sun  leads  the  way,  following  the  track  of  the  sail 
ing  stars ;  their  argosies  float  upon  the  stormy 
sea,  the  winds  are  obedient  to  their  will,  lightnings 
carry  their  message,  the  imprisoned  fire  drags 
their  burdens  and  screams  along  an  iron  way. 

"  I  hear  the  voice  of  nations  as  the  voice  of  many 
waters  ;  their  anthems  swell ;  they  shout  in  joy, '  We 
are  free  !  We  are  free  ! ' 

"  Our  children  are  rulers  of  the  world,  they  are 
servants  of  the  Most  High  !" 


228  SEOLA. 

My  eyes  closed,  and  as  I  sank  away  overpowered 
by  the  ecstasy  of  the  vision,  Japhet  caught  me  in 
his  arms,  exclaiming,  — 

"  Come  back  to  me,  Seola ;  hear  me  thank  God 
for  my  seer,  my  priestess,  my  queen  !  " 

The  vision  faded  ;  the  dark  past  and  the  brilliant 
future  both  were  lost  in  present  happiness. 


END    OF    THE    VOYAGE.  22Q 


END  OF  THE  VOYAGE. 

ANOTHER  moon  passed  ;  the  hot  rays  of  the  sun 
and  a  warm  wind  blowing  continually  from  the 
east  produce  an  enormous  evaporation  of  the  water, 
and  sometimes  bring  an  odor  of  the  land.  The 
animals  which  have  lain  torpid  and  dumb  are  now 
uneasy,  the  birds  also  sing  and  flutter  upon  their 
perches  ;  perhaps,  by  some  subtile  instinct,  they  per 
ceive  reviving  vegetation.  To-day,  the  door  of  sep 
aration  being  for  a  moment  left  open,  a  white  dove 
came  timidly  through  and  flew  to  the  window ;  the 
Prophet  cautiously  opened  it ;  away  she  sprang,  and 
was  soon  lost  in  the  distance.  How  eagerly  we 
watched  her  flight,  and  how  joyfully  hailed  the  re 
turn,  when  at  evening  she  alighted  with  a  fresh 
olive-leaf  in  her  beak !  After  passing  through  the 
most  tremendous  scenes,  how  strange  that  the 
flight  of  a  bird  should  so  interest  us!  Yet  by 
her  intuition  the  dove  has  given  the  welcome 
promise  of  peace.  As  the  moon  rose  that  memo 
rable  night,  there  appeared,  like  a  spectre  on  the 
horizon,  a  distant  island,  toward  which  our  vessel 


230  SEOLA. 

was  drifting,  and  we  retired  to  rest  with  joyful 
expectation. 

At  daybreak  a  jar  and  a  grating  sound  upon 
the  keel  awakened  us,  and  springing  up  we  discov 
ered  the  vessel  to  be  fast  aground  upon  a  rocky 
point,  where  a  few  stunted  trees  were  growing,  — 
without  doubt  the  top  of  a  high  mountain.  O, 
fairer  than  groves  of  the  Hermitage  or  gardens  of 
Sippara  did  the  dwarfed  and  scanty  vegetation  of 
that  mountain-top  appear  ! 

With  unsteady  hands  we  prepared  for  landing, 
the  Prophet  and  his  sons  having  gone  in  advance 
to  build  the  altars.  As  we  stepped  forth  into  the 
fresh  air  of  morning  and  again  touched  the  solid 
ground,  an  extraordinary  scene  met  our  eager 
gaze.  Below  and  all  around  were  spread  the  sul 
len  waters  of  the  flood ;  the  western  sky  was  cov 
ered  by  a  retreating  thunder-storm,  and,  as  the 
sun  rose  in  the  cloudless  east,  a  vision  of  beauty 
ravished  the  eye :  from  the  bosom  of  the  lowering 
cloud  there  sprang  high  into  heaven  an  arch  of 
sunbeams,  glowing  with  diverse  colors,  which,  re 
flected  from  the  quiet  sea,  formed  an  unbroken 
circle  of  shaded  glory. 

Our  exclamations  of  rapture  were  hushed  as  the 


END    OF    THE    VOYAGE.  23! 

Prophet  kneeled  before  the  altar  and  poured  forth 
his  soul  in  adoring  praise :  — 

"Almighty  Being,  whose  voice  causeth  the  pil 
lars  of  earth  to  tremble  and  the  sea  to  remove  from 
its  ancient  caverns,  the  elements  have  wrought 
thine  awful  will,  the  floods  of  ocean  have  swept 
away  those  who  defied  thy  law,  they  have  washed 
from  earth  the  stain  of  sin.  We  are  witnesses  to 
all  coming  generations  of  thine  irresistible  power 
and  majesty. 

"  But,  O  Omnipotent  One,  thou  dost  temper 
wrath  with  mercy  and  provide  salvation  for  such 
as  honor  thy  commands. 

"  Marvellously  hast  thou  guided  us  through 
earthquake  and  flood  to  a  haven  of  safety,  and  as 
our  eyes  are  raised  to  heaven,  lo !  the  bow  appear- 
eth,  a  token  and  promise  to  all  thy  children  while 
the  earth  endures.  Accept  our  praise,  accept  our 
sacrifice,  and  give  us  the  answer  by  fire." 

He  ceased,  and  the  deep  hush  of  expectation 
stilled  our  beating  hearts.  Then  the  voice  of  God 
shook  the  mountain,  and  from  the  cloud  beneath 
the  arch  shot  swiftly  forth  a  lambent  flame  ;  the  fire 
descended,  curled  round  the  altar :  hissing  and 
smoking  it  sent  up  toward  heaven  a  tall  column  of 


232  SEOLA. 

incense  which   reflected  the  sunlight  and  glowed 
like  a  pillar  of  fire. 

We  rose  from  the  earth :  the  brothers  went  for 
ward  and  reverently  took  from  the  blazing  pile 
each  one  a  burning  brand,  applied  it  to  an  altar 
previously  prepared,  and  thus  solemnly  lighted  his 
household  fire.  And  I  said  in  my  secret  heart, — 

"Be  it  thine,  Seola,  to  cherish  this  sacred  fire 
and  keep  bright,  on  hearth  and  altar,  the  pure 
flames  of  love  and  devotion." 

***** 

Here  the  manuscript  abruptly  ended,  but  upon 
the  back  of  the  linen  roll  was  an  inscription  in 
bolder  characters,  which  after  careful  study  we 
found  to  be  :  — 


THE    STORY    OF    JAVAN.  233 


THE  STORY  OF  JAVAN. 

After  the  Flood,  700  Years.  Land  of  lapeti. 

SEOLA,  priestess,  seer,  queen,  our  honored  and 
loving  mother,  has  left  us  for  that  unknown  land 
to  which  all  past  generations  have  journeyed,  and 
whither  all  the  living  must  follow.  Seven  days 

«;. 

ago  she  called  me  to  her  side. 

"  My  dear  Javan,"  she  said,  "  I  am  the  last  of  those 
who  survived  the  Great  Deluge.  I  have  lived  eight 
hundred  years  ;  these  eyes,  now  dim  with  age,  have 
pierced  the  farthest  heavens ;  to  their  prophetic 
vision  was  unveiled  the  incomprehensible,  the  un 
utterable,  even  the  SHADOW  OF  His  HAND,  be 
neath  whose  chill  the  hosts  of  mighty  Lucifer  sank 
down  to  darkness  and  despair,  whose  touch  thrilled 
the  universe  and  shattered  worlds.  The  sight  was 
more  than  mortal  could  endure.  I  fell  as  one  dead, 
and  lay  prone  upon  the  earth  in  the  midst  of  night 
and  storm. 

"  From  that  prolonged  swoon  the  voice  of  your 
beloved  father  called  me  back  to  life  and  happi 
ness." 


234  SEOLA. 

Here  my  mother  ceased  speaking,  and  for  some 
moments  her  thoughts  seemed  far  away.  At  length 
she  resumed :  — 

"  Again,  as  on  that  dreadful  night,  have  I  heard 
his  voice  sound  through  the  shades  of  death,  '  Seola, 
Seola,  my  beloved,'  and  again  have  I  replied, 
'Dear  Japhet,  I  come  ;  not  to  the  shelter  of  the  per 
ishable  Tebah,  to  scenes  of  horror  and  despair,  but 
to  perennial  bowers  in  the  Paradise  of  God.' 

"And  now  I  must  depart.  To*you,  O  Javan, 
in  whose  arms  it  was  foretold  I  should  die,  I  com 
mit  the  journal,  faithfully  kept  according  to  the 
word  of  Aleemon.  That  portion  pertaining  to  our 
life  after  the  flood,  the  death  of  Noah,  and  the 
unhappy  war  that  followed  in  consequence  of  the 
dissatisfaction  of  Shem,  the  peace  effected  by  my 
prophetic  power,  the  reasons  for  my  refusal  to  be 
crowned  with  the  coronal  of  Hesperus  as  queen 
of  nations,  and  the  chronicles  of  our  prosperity, — 
all  this  I  intrust  to  your  care  for  the  benefit  of  my 
descendants.  They  are,  by  a  decree  of  the  Most 
High,  scattered  afar,  possessing  the  Isles  of  the 
Gentiles ;  let  the  treasure  also  be  justly  divided, 
and  conveyed  to  them  with  a  mother's  love  and 
blessing. 


THE    STORY    OF    JAVAN.  23$ 

"The  history  of  the  Great  Deluge  has  been 
transmitted  by  other  survivors  ;  my  record  thereof 
enclose  in  the  amethyst  cylinder  brought  from  the 
library  of  Aleemon,  and  place  it  in  my  hand  when 
you  lay  me  by  the  side  of  your  father  in  the  tomb." 

Here  my  mother  motioned  all  in  attendance  to 
retire,  which  we  did,  weeping  with  grief  at  her 
approaching  death. 

***** 

In  the  night  there  was  a  commotion  in  the  royal 
pavilion ;  the  attendants  were  summoned.  I  went 
in  hastily  and  raised  Seola  in  my  arms.  Her  life 
was  departing;  the  old  prophetic  fire  flashed  from 
her  eyes,  and  wondrous  words  burst  from  her 
lips :  — 

"  The  heavens  are  opened  ;  I  see  the  Paradise  of 
God.  In  a  bower  of  supernal  beauty  sits  Aleemon, 
and  Lebuda  is  by  his  side. 

"  There  also  walk  Simourga  and  the  redeemed 
Aurenion. 

"  Elbeth  and  Charmos  bloom  in  eternal  youth. 

"  Hesperus,  glorious  in  light,  holds  aloft  a  cor 
onal  of  stars. 

"  He  speaks,  — '  Seola  comes  ;  grow  bright,  im 
mortal  crown,  for  she  will  reign.' 


236  SEOLA. 

"What  do  I  hear?  The  angels  answer  him, 
'Joy  to  thee,  AURUS,  Guardian  of  the  Gates  of 
Light ! ' 

"  And  Japhet  descends  to  convey  me  to  this 
realm  of  bliss. 

"  But  who  are  these  ?  Azreel,  Angel  of  Death  and 
Immortality,  thou  art  welcome  —  but  this  bright 
being  by  thy  side  ?  What  love,  what  sweetness,  in 
his  face !  and  on  his  forehead  and  in  his  hand  a 
Name,  —  the  enshrined  Word,  —  the  Cross,  but  not 
of  flame!" 

There  was  a  moment  of  silence,  and  her  voice 
whispered  softly :  — 

"  Hush  !  the  sound  of  the  river,  '  Coming,  com 
ing,  —  nor  night,  nor  discord,  age  nor  death,  — 
ETERNAL  LIFE  !  ETERNAL  HARMONY  ! ' ' 

Seola  was  laid  beside  our  father  in  the  tomb 
of  the  mountain.  On  her  brow  was  set  the  well- 
deserved  crown  her  humility  had  declined,  and 
"  The  Journal,"  encased  in  imperishable  crystal,  will 
be  placed  in  her  hand,  perchance  for  the  benefit 
of  future  ages,  when  the  wonderful  events  therein 
recorded  may  have  passed  from  the  memory  of 
men.  Upon  the  ceiling  of  the  tomb  have  we 


THE    STORY    OF    JAVAN. 

sculptured  the  emblem  which  she  saw  in  dying 
vision,  and  when  the  shadows  of  death  gather 
over  us,  may  we  also  apprehend  its  meaning,  and 
with  latest  breath  bless  the  God  of  Japhet  and 
Seola. 
The  words  of  Javan  are  ended. 


APPENDIX   TO    SEOLA. 


SEOLA  is  a  fantasy,  revealed  to  the  writer  while 
listening  to  the  performance  of  an  extraordinary  musi 
cal  composition.  It  was  sudden  and  unforeseen  as 
the  landscape  which  sometimes  appears  to  a  benighted 
traveller,  for  one  instant  only,  illumined  by  the  light 
ning's  flash. 

It  does  not  therefore  pretend  to  be  either  history  or 
theology,  but  yet  the  theory  upon  which  the  story  is 
founded  is  in  strict  accordance  with  the  sacred  writings 
of  the  Hebrews  and  traditions  of  other  ancient  nations. 
It  may  be  briefly  stated. 

In  the  early  ages  of  the  world  angelic  beings  became 
incarnate,  assumed  the  likeness  of  men,  left  the  service 
of  God,  visited  the  earth,  mingled  in  its  affairs,  formed 
the  most  intimate  connection  with  women,  and  became 
the  fathers  of  a  progeny  physically  magnificent  and 
spiritually  corrupt.  These  powerful  and  depraved  be 
ings  subverted  the  government  of  the  earth  and  filled 
it  with  intolerable  crime.  The  Almighty  put  an  end  to 
this  unnatural  condition  by  sending  a  great  Deluge  to 


24O  APPENDIX    TO    SEOLA. 

destroy  the  kingdom  of  the  Devas  with  their  giant  off 
spring,  and  by  imprisoning  in  chains  and  darkness  the 
angels  who  had  been  guilty  of  the  offence,  though  cer 
tain  evil  spirits  are  still  permitted  to  roam  the  earth. 

This  theory,  set  forth  in  a  work  entitled  "From 
Dawn  to  Sunrise,"  having  been  the  subject  of  much 
comment,  it  may  be  proper  to  recapitulate  the  evidence 
of  its  truth  in  this  place. 

We  read  in  Gen.  vi. :  "  The  sons  of  God  saw  the  daugh 
ters  of  men  that  they  were  fair;  and  they  took  them 

wives  of  all  which  they  chose There  were  giants 

in  the  earth  in  those  days  ;  and  also  after  that,  when  the 
sons  of  God  came  in  unto  the  daughters  of  men,  and 
they  bare  children  to  them ;  the  same  became  mighty 
men,  which  were  of  old,  men  of  renown."  The  Hebrew 
term  BNE  ELOHIM,  translated  sons  of  God  in  every  other 
instance  where  it  is  used  in  the  Bible,  unmistakably 
means  angelic  beings,  as  in  Job  i.  6  and  ii.  i :  "  The  sons 
of  God  (BNE  ELOHIM)  came  together,  and  Satan  came 
also  with  them."  Also,  Job  xxxviii.  7  :  "  When  the 
morning  stars  sang  together,  and  all  the  sons  of  God 
shouted  for  joy."  This  was  at  the  creation  of  the  world, 
before  man  existed,  and  can  by  no  possibility  mean  hu 
man  beings.  See  also  Dan.  iii.  25,  Ps.  xxix.  i  and 
Ixxxix.  6.  By  comparison  of  these  texts  we  must  con 
clude  that  the  author  of  the  Book  of  Genesis  intends 


APPENDIX    TO    SEOLA.  24! 

to  state,  in  explicit  language,  that  angels  were  joined 
in  marriage  with  women. 

In  i  Cor.  xi.  10,  St.  Paul  says:  "For  this  cause  ought 
the  woman  to  have  power  [or  a  covering]  on  her  head, 
because  of  the  angels." 

If  the  corporeity  of  angels  be  doubted,  read  the  first 
eight  verses  of  Gen.  xviii.,  descriptive  of  the  entertain 
ment  of  angels  by  Abraham.  "  And  he  took  butter,  and 
milk,  and  the  calf  which  he  had  dressed,  and  set  it  be 
fore  them  ;  and  he  stood  by  them  under  the  tree,  and 
they  did  eat"  Chap.  xix.  3  :  The  angels  visited  Lot  in 
Sodom,  "  and  he  made  them  a  feast,  and  did  bake  un 
leavened  bread,  and  they  did  eat."  Ps.  Ixxviii.  25  : 
"  Men  did  eat  angels'  food"  Gen.  xxxii.  24  -  30  :  "  And 
Jacob  was  left  alone,  and  there  wrestled  a  man  with  him 

until  the  breaking  of  the  day And  Jacob  called 

the  name  of  the  place  Peniel ;  for  I  have  seen  God  face 
to  face,  and  my  life  is  preserved." 

The  punishment  which  was  awarded  to  this  antedilu 
vian  crime  is  divulged  in  the  New  Testament  (Jude  i. 
6,  7)  :  "  The  angels  which  kept  not  their  first  estate,  but  left 
their  own  habitation,  he  hath  reserved  in  everlasting 
chains  under  darkness  unto  the  judgment  of  the  great 
day.  Even  as  Sodom  and  Gomorrah,  and  the  cities 
about  them  in  like  manner,  giving  themselves  over  to 
fornication,  and  going  after  strange  flesh,  are  set  forth  for 


242  APPENDIX    TO    SEOLA. 

an  example,  suffering  the  vengeance  of  eternal  fire." 
Also,  2  Peter  ii.  4  :  "  God  spared  not  the  angels  that  sinned, 
but  cast  them  down  to  hell,  and  delivered  them  into 
chains  of  darkness,  to  be  reserved  unto  judgment ;  and 
spared  not  the  old  world,  bringing  in  the  flood  upon  the 
world  of  the  ungodly."  Christ  also,  in  Luke  xvii.  26  -  28, 
classifies  together  the  Sodomites  and  the  antediluvians, 
—  both  sought  after  strange  flesh. 

The  fallen  angels  will  share  in  the  redemption  of 
Christ,  the  saints  being  judges.  i  Peter  iii.  18,  19  : 
"  For  Christ  also  hath  once'  suffered  for  sins,  the  just 
for  the  unjust,  that  he  might  bring  us  to  God,  being 
put  to  death  in  the  flesh,  but  quickened  by  the  Spirit. 
By  which  also  he  went  and  preached  unto  the  spirits  in 
prison,  which  sometime  were  disobedient,  when  once  the  long- 
suffering  of  God  waited  in  the  days  of  Noah "  •  and, 
verse  22  :  "Jesus  Christ,  who  is  gone  into  heaven,  and 
is  on  the  right  hand  of  God,  angels  and  authorities  and 
powers  being  made  subject  unto  him."  Eph.  iv.  9 : 
"  He  descended  into  the  lower  parts  of  the  earth."  Matt. 
xii.  40 :  "  The  Son  of  Man  shall  be  three  days  and  three 
nights  in  the  heart  of  the  earth."  i  Cor.  vi.  2,  3  :  "  Know 
ye  not  that  the  saints  shall  judge  the  world  ?  Know  ye 
not  that  we  shall  judge  angels  ?  " 

The  rebellious  spirits  were  not  all  banished  from 
earth.  Job  i.  7 :  "  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Satan, 


APPENDIX     TO    SEOLA.  243 

Whence  comest  thou  ?  Then  Satan  answered,  From 
going  to  and  fro  in  the  earth,  and  from  walking  up  and 
down  in  it."  Job  ii.  7  :  "So  went  Satan  forth  from  the 
presence  of  the  Lord,  and  smote  Job"  etc.  Matt.  iv.  i : 
"  Then  was  Jesus  led  up  of  the  Spirit  to  be  tempted  of 
the  devil"  Eph.  ii.  2  :  "In  time  past  ye  walked  ac 
cording  to  the  course  of  this  world,  according  to  the 
prince  of  the  poiuer  of  the  air,  the  spirit  that  now  worketh 
in  the  children  of  disobedience."  Rev.  xx.  2:  "That 
old  serpent,  which  is  the  devil,  and  Satan." 

Tradition  confirms  the  Bible  in  these  remarkable 
statements.  The  oldest  Zend  writers  describe  the  great 
wickedness  of  the  Kafaters,  children  of  the  Wicked 
One,  who  lived  in  the  early  ages  of  the  world,  and  who 
perished  in  an  extraordinary  rain-storm  sent  for  their 
destruction.  The  Aztec  tradition  is  to  the  effect  that 
a  race  of  giants  lived  on  the  earth  before  the  flood, 
who  were  exceedingly  wicked.  A  similar  Chaldean 
legend  exists.  The  book  of  Enoch  states  that  two 
hundred  angels  came  down  to  reside  upon  the  earth 
near  Mount  Hermon,  lured  by  the  love  of  beautiful 
women. 

The  reputed  writings  of  Seth  (still  extant,  it  is  said, 
in  Asia)  contain  an  account  of  the  love  of  Star-Spirits 
for  the  women  of  this  world,  by  which  a  race  of  genii 
were  produced. 


244  APPENDIX     TO     SEOLA. 

The  Book  of  Tobit  contains  a  similar  story, —  the 
love  of  Asmodeus  (literally  the  spirit  of  concupiscence) 
for  Sarai,  a  beautiful  and  pious  woman. 

The  demigods  and  heroes  of  Indian,  Egyptian, 
Greek,  and  Roman  mythology,  the  jinns  and  genii  of 
the  Orient,  also  the  Eastern  custom  of  veiling  women, 
may  find  a  reasonable  explanation  as  traditional  remi 
niscences  of  this  strange  period  of  the  world's  history. 

Few  disputed  historical  facts  are  so  strongly  corrobo 
rated.  The  Jewish  church  and  synagogue  shared  this 
belief.  It  was  probably  received  by  the  Seventy,  —  the 
manuscripts  are  about  equally  divided.  Peter  and  Jude 
unqualifiedly  assert  their  belief,  and  our  Saviour  inferen- 
tially.  Philo,  Josephus,  and  most  of  the  Rabbins  are 
clearly  in  favor  of  this  rendering,  as  are  Justin,  Tertul- 
lian,  Cyprian,  Ambrosius,  and  Lactantius. 

Among  modern  interpreters  who  accept  this  view 
may  be  mentioned  Koppen,  Tholuck,  Twesten,  Nitzsch, 
Drechsler,  Hofman,  Baumgarten,  Delitsch,  Huther, 
Dr.  Maitland,  Dr.  Kitto  Dr.  H.  Crosby  (N.  Y.  Univer 
sity),  Professor  Charles  Mead,  Anclover,  and  Dr.  J.  H. 
Kurtz,  Professor  of  Theology  at  Dorpat.  There  is  a 
growing  sentiment  among  modern  theologians  and  He 
brew  scholars,  that  the  passage  in  question  (Gen.  vi.) 
does  not  admit  of  any  other  meaning. 

After  the  indorsement  of  such  authorities,  any  word 


APPENDIX    TO    SEOLA.  245 

from  a  romance-writer  would  necessarily  be  super 
fluous. 

If  the  introduction  of  steeds  of  fire  should  appear 
to  any  person  fanciful,  we  would  again,  as  in  all  the 
supernaturalism  of  this  story,  refer  the  caviller  to  the 
Hebrew  scriptures.  Is.  Ixvi.  15  :  "  Behold,  the  Lord  will 
come  with  fire,  and  with  his  chariots  like  a  whirlwind,  to 
render  his  anger  with  fury,  and  his  rebuke  with  flames 
of  fire."  2  Kings  ii.  n  :  "Behold  there  appeared  a 
chariot  of  fire,  and  horses  of  fire,  and  parted  them 
both  asunder,  and  Elijah  went  up  by  a  whirlwind  into 
heaven."  2  Kings  vi.  17  :  "And  the  Lord  opened  the 
eyes  of  the  young  man ;  and  he  saw  ;  and  behold,  the 
mountain  was  full  of  horses  and  chariots  of  fire."  Zech. 
vi.  i  -  3  :  "  Four  chariots  between  two  mountains  of 
brass,  with  red,  black,  white,  bay,  and  grizzled  horses. 
The  four  spirits  of  the  heavens,  which  go  forth  from 
standing  before  the  Lord  of  all  the  earth.  They  that 
go  toward  the  north  have  quieted  my  spirit  in  the 
north  country."  If  any  reader  desires  to  pursue  this 
inquiry  still  further,  he  is  respectfully  referred  to  Ps. 
civ.  3,  4;  Ps.  Ixviii.  17  ;  Zech.  i.  8 ;  Rev.  vi.  2-8. 

For  evidence  of  an  advanced  antediluvian  civilization, 
see  Gen.  iv.,  last  part  of  the  i7th  verse,  also  verses 
19-22.  Witness  also  the  tremendous  prehistoric  ruins 
between  the  eastern  shore  of  the  Mediterranean  Sea 
and  the  rivers  Tigris  and  Euphrates. 


246  APPENDIX    TO    SEOLA. 

Without  admitting  or  denying  the  literal  truth  of 
these  statements  in  the  Bible,  it  is  patent  that  the  ideas 
therein  contained  may  be  legitimately  used  in  a  work  of 
the  imagination. 

The  proper  names  used  in  this  story  have  been,  as 
far  as  practicable,  taken  from  Biblical  and  traditional 
antediluvian  personages  or  from  very  ancient  Semitic 
or  Aryan  roots. 

The  use  of  the  Latin  form  for  two  of  the  principal 
characters  was  an  unavoidable  concession  to  popular 
prejudice,  as  also  a  sacrifice  to  euphony.  The  name 
Seola  (old  Norse)  was  selected,  first,  because  of  its 
euphony,  and,  secondly,  on  account  of  its  signification. 


NOTES. 


SEOLA,  in  the  old  Norse  or  Erse,  means  the  soul, 

Pages  14,  15.  "They  came  and  took  possession,"  an 
cient  traditions.  See  also  Gen.  vi.  "  Darvands,"  old  Zend 
for  children  of  the  Evil  One;  "Deva"  meaning  in  Sanscrit 
spirit,  in  Zend  demon.  SARAPH,  translated  from  the  Hebrew 
as  seraph  (see  Is.  vi.),  is  also  used  to  signify  a  snake.  A  Chal 
dean  inscription  mentions  an  antediluvian  sage  as  "  Aleemon, 
sage  of  Sippara,"  which  latter  word  means  City  of  Books,  or 
City  of  Ra,  the  sun  god.  In  the  Bible  Noah  is  called  "<z 
preacher  of  righteousness."  "  Set  an  hedge  "  :  see  Job  i.  10. 

Page  16.  Lebuda  and  Achima,  traditional  names  of  ante 
diluvian  women,  first  daughters  of  Adam  and  Eve. 

Page  23.     "  Living  stone,"  ancient  name  for  magnet. 

Page  81.  The  word  translated  Ark,  Gen.  vi.,  is  not  ARUN, 
a  box:,  but  TEBAH,  and  signifies  "  something  designed  to  pre 
serve  those  who  take  refuge  in  it." 

Page  82.  "  Noah,"  or  "  Nanachus,"  is  from  a  very  an 
cient  root  NA,  which  in  all  languages  refers  to  water. 

Pages  86,  87.  "  Midland  Sea,"  Mediterranean.  "  Gate  of 
rocks,"  Gibraltar.  "  Amber  Isles,"  Bermudas.  "  Wandu 
and  Wejas,"  Scandinavian  giants,  Wind  and  Water. 

Page  90.  The  historian  Justin  relates  that  in  the  early 
ages  of  the  world  the  Spirit  of  Evil  was  worshipped  in  the 


248  NOTES. 

form  of  a  great  serpent  called  "  Ferusharabha."  The  wor 
ship  of  the  serpent  is  always  accompanied  by  the  most  revolt 
ing  forms  of  human  sacrifice. 

Page  103.     "  Persea,"  the  sacred  peach. 

Page  107.  "Maya,"  Sanscrit  for  illusion.  "Homa"or 
"  Soma,"  an  intoxicating  drink  made  from  the  milkweed, 
used  by  the  ancient  Aryan  tribes,  believed  by  them  to  have 
been  of  antediluvian  origin,  and  regarded,  in  a  certain  sense, 
as  a  spirit  or  deity. 

Page  155.  "  Yet  will  I  ascend  and  be  like  the  Most  High." 
For  blasphemous  language  of  Lucifer,  see  Is.  xiv. ;  also 
Matt.  iv.  9. 

Page  156.  "  Asparatha,"  old  Scythic  word  meaning  a 
horse.  See  Bopp's  Comparative  Grammar. 

Page  157.     "  Varunus,"  the  dark  sky,  Sanscrit. 

Page  163.  Job  xxxviii.  39:  "Canst  thou  bind  the  sweet 
influence  of  the  Pleiades  ['  Seven  stars,'1  Hebrew  CIMAH],  or 
loosen  the  band  of  Orion  [Heb.  CESIL]  ?  "  This  group  once 
consisted  of  eight  stars  :  that  called  Halcyone  is  supposed 
to  be  the  centre  of  the  visible  Universe.  One  Pleiad  has  dis 
appeared. 

Page  1 66.  For  punishment  of  the  Devas  see  2  Pet.  ii.  4; 
also  Jude  i.  6. 

Page  167.  "  Guardian  of  the  Gates  of  Light."  The  star 
that  ushers  in  the  day  and  sets  just  after  the  sun  may  be 
supposed  to  open  and  close  the  portals  of  light.  Luke  x. 
18  :  "I  saw  Satan  like  lightning  fall  from  heaven."  "  The 
Wan  Planet  felt  the  shock."  Astronomers  inform  us  that  a 
great  planet  once  existed  between  Mars  and  Jupiter  which 


NOTES.  249 

was  shattered,  and  that  the  fragments,  called  asteroids,  are 
now  to  be  seen  in  that  portion  of  the  solar  system. 

Page  182.  "  I  have  been  engaged  all  night  in  watching 
the  heavens."  The  Chaldeans  and  Egyptians,  descendants  of 
Ham,  were  great  astrologers. 

Page  193.  "  Duyhak."  The  old  Zend  writers  say  that 
souls  weighted  with  sin,  after  death,  fall  into  a  dreadful  abyss 
called  Duyhak. 

Page  197.  " Re-hui,  pa-chest-el"  These  words  occur  in  a 
medical  prescription  taken  from  a  very  ancient  Egyptian  tomb. 

Page  203.  "  The  Name  of  him  who,  dying,  will  overcome 
the  warder  of  the  tree  of  life  and  bring  to  man  redemp 
tion."  Heb.  ii.  14:  "  Will  destroy  him  that  had  the  power 
of  death,  that  is,  the  devil."  See  also  cherub  in  Ezekiel  and 
Revelations.  All  the  nations  of  antiquity  that  have  left  a  lit 
erature  attach  immense  power  and  sacredness  to  the  spoken 
or  manifested  Word  or  Name  of  Deity.  The  Hindu  Aryan 
held  that  it  must  never  be  uttered  except  in  prayer.  In  San 
scrit,  the  most  sacred  Name  or  Word  (Vach)  was  OM,  so 
called  by  the  Brahmins:  it  was  also  called  SARASVATI  or 
SAKTI,  the  female  form  of  Brahma ;  by  the  Buddhists, 
AVALOHITESVARA  ;  by  the  Persians  HONOVER,  the  Creating 
Word.  The  same  idea  exists  in  the  Chochmah  of  Solomon 
(translated  Wisdom),  Mcmra  of  the  Targum,  Logos  of  the 
Greek,  and  Vox  of  the  Latin,  all  seeming  to  mean  the  MANI 
FESTATION  of  Deity.  The  names  given  to  the  Word  (Logos) 
of  the  New  Testament  are  qualifying  words,  or  those  which 
imply  a  characteristic,  —  Immanuel,  God  with  us;  Jesus,  i.  e. 
Joshua,  a  Saviour;  Adonai,  Lord;  Christ,  the  Anointed,  etc. 


25O  NOTES. 

THE  NAME  may  be  yet  all  unknown  to  mortals,  for  it  is  said 
(Rev.  ii.  17),  "  I  will  give  him  a  white  stone,  and  in  the  stone 
a  NEW  NAME  written,  which  no  man  knoweth  saving  he  that 
receive fh  it." 

If  a  doubt  should  arise  in  the  mind  of  any  that  the  sacred 
symbol  of  all  nations,  heathen  as  well  as  Jewish  and  Chris 
tian,  is  not  cruciform,  the  reader  is  referred  to  Dr.  Lundy's 
Monumental  Christianity,  Chapters  I.  and  VI. 

Page  221.  "  I  forgot  Azreel  and  heaven."  Ah,  Seola,  thou 
wert  but  human,  yet  thy  sons  and  daughters  may  not  con 
demn  thee  ;  the  near  and  present  absorb  us  also,  and  we  for 
get  the  highest  good. 

Page  226.  IRAN  TURAN.  In  the  oldest  Zend  and  Sanscrit 
legends  frequent  reference  is  made  to  a  great  religious  war 
which  was  perpetually  waged  for  fifteen  hundred  years  be 
tween  the  Aryan  tribes,  worshippers  of  the  Supreme  Deity, 
and  the  Turanian  serpent  worshippers.  It  is  called  "a  war 
of  the  gods,"  or  "  a  war  of  hostile  brothers  IRAN  and 
TURAN."  Before  the  tremendous  proportions  of  this  struggle 
for  religious  principle  all  modern  warfare  "pales  its  ineffect 
ual  fires."  It  might  well  claim  the  attention  of  the  prophetic 
eye.  For  further  particulars  see  "From  Dawn  to  Sunrise," 
chapter  on  Ophiolatry. 

Page  227.  "  Our  children  are  rulers  of  the  world."  The 
Hebrew  name  Japhet  means  extension.  The  Japhetic  tribes, 
particularly  the  Gommerian,  excel  in  everything  that  tends 
to  human  progress.  They  do  now  and  probably  ever  will 
control  the  governments  of  the  world. 

Pages  233,  234.     "Javan,"  or  loun,  fourth  son  of  Japhet 


NOTES.  251 

and  father  of  the  Greeks  and  Romans,  the  most  beautiful  of 
the  tribes  of  men.  "  lapeti,"  very  ancient  name  of  Japhet. 
An  old  Sanscrit  legend  says:  "After  Xisthuthrus  [i.  e.  Noah] 
sailed  for  Armenia,  war  broke  out  between  Zerman,  Charmos, 
and  Japhetos,  on  account  of  the  division  of  the  land,  for  Zer 
man  would  have  his  sons  lords  of  all  the  earth,  but  their  sister 
Astlik  made  peace  between  them." 

"  Possessing  the  Isles  of  the  Gentiles":  see  Gen.  x.  4. 


THE   END. 


Cambridge  :  Electrotyped  and  Printed  by  Welch,  Bigelow,  &  Co. 


